COLUMBIA --- An aging-issues group created by the Legislature says its priorities are a new public alert system for seniors with dementia, limits on predatory lending and loan repayment incentives for geriatric care providers.
The South Carolina Silver Haired Legislature wrapped up its annual meeting at the Statehouse on Thursday and now takes its top concerns to legislators.
Leading the list this year is a version of the Amber Alert system that might help caregivers find seniors with dementia and other disabilities who wander from their homes or care facilities.
"When an old person is lost, it is critical that you find that person really quick," said Lamar Bailes, a retired banking executive in Walhalla who is the Silver Haired Legislature's speaker and top officer.
In South Carolina, an estimated 53,000 people suffer from Alzheimer's disease and the number is expected to reach 90,000 by 2030. The Alzheimer's Association says it is common for dementia patients to wander. Though only about 5 percent stray more than 1.5 miles from home, those who aren't found in 24 hours risk death or serious injury.
The Silver Haired Legislature's second priority is its perennial call for curbs on high-risk, high-interest lenders. The group helped push legislation last year that limited the amount and number of loans payday lenders could make. While the Senate passed the legislation, the bill was killed by House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee Chairman Harry Cato.
The group also wants money to help abused seniors find temporary housing and a student loan repayment program for nurse practitioners who commit to staying in the state for five years.
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