Concerns About Elder Abuse in Politics

As someone who has worked extensively with older adults, I’ve seen the signs of elder abuse quite frequently in various settings across the U.S.

So, it felt necessary for me to bring former President Joe Biden to the attention of Delaware’s Department of Health and Human Services, suggesting he may be a victim of mistreatment.

The recent news regarding Biden’s diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer, along with an audio recording from a 2023 discussion with his advisor, Robert Huar, and insights from Biden’s book, *Original Sin*, indicate there may be something deeper at play—beyond just political smokescreens.

Elder abuse often stems from a failure to protect vulnerable individuals, where someone trusted inflicts risk or harm upon them.

This situation clearly illustrates how anyone can find themselves in such unfortunate circumstances.

Physical indications, like bruises or injuries, are the most apparent forms of abuse.

However, non-violent tactics such as food deprivation, threats, social withdrawal, and changes in personality also fall into the realm of abusive behavior.

What’s particularly troubling is when the elderly are exploited for someone else’s financial or political gain.

It seems that those closest to Biden, the ones he relies on, might be using his position to benefit their own interests, while those meant to protect him have failed to step in.

Jill Biden’s praise of her husband during the presidential debate raised eyebrows. What was her intention behind commending him despite acknowledging his cognitive challenges and declining health?

Is she a supportive partner or someone manipulating the situation to influence his decisions? If it’s the latter, it raises serious concerns about elder abuse.

How can medical professionals overlook the clear signs of deterioration in the president’s mental and physical health?

It’s baffling how a clean bill of health could be issued for someone who’s evidently struggling with cognitive decline, making it difficult to handle such a demanding role for another four years.

Is it really possible for clinicians to miss the signs of stage-one prostate cancer?

Dr. Kevin O’Connor seems to have fallen short in exercising the appropriate level of care or may be involved in a concealment effort—which would also constitute elder abuse.

A lawsuit against him further complicates things, since he had a duty to prioritize his patients’ well-being.

Who signed official documents on Biden’s behalf, such as the numerous presidential pardons issued close to the end of his term?

It’s likely they noticed the same limitations in Biden’s cognitive function that others have observed.

Even if they chose to ignore the truth, the Department of Justice clearly defines actions taken by seniors that they do not understand as a form of elder abuse.

Individuals like Jeffrey Sient and others who exploited the authority of a compromised elder for their own agendas should be held accountable.

The referral I made to Delaware didn’t suggest HuR for investigation, but his actions raise valid concerns.

His decision not to file charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents, claiming Biden was “an older man with poor memory,” is troubling.

As a trained attorney, Huar should recognize the legal implications associated with elder abuse, particularly regarding manipulation and coercion.

In October 2023, Hart concluded that Biden was no longer competent, yet he didn’t raise the alarm, despite knowing Biden’s responsibilities far exceeded his abilities.

Was he not ethically required to act on this knowledge?

In our legal framework, it’s the state’s adult protection agency that ultimately determines if an elderly individual is facing abuse, following a thorough investigation.

Let’s hope Delaware acts in a manner that’s diligent and provides the necessary scrutiny to address Biden’s serious situation.

Elaine Healy, MD, FACP is a practicing geriatrician and medical director of a certified nursing facility.