Kane County State 's Atty. John Barsanti said Tuesday he wants a fully funded advocacy center dedicated to elder abuse and exploitation.

Barsanti said his initiative is "not directly" related to the recent death of a woman, 84, of Geneva ruled to be a homicide by a Kane County coroner's jury. Mary Virginia Barry weighed 70 pounds and was covered with bedsores and ants when paramedics removed her from a home she shared with two daughters, authorities said.

Barsanti said Barry's death remains under investigation.

Kane County already has a Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Unit, composed of two victim advocates who review cases and a prosecutor.

Barsanti said he wants the ellder abuse office to operate like the county's child advocacy center, which is funded by the County Board .

"I see so many parallels between the two. It seems we are somewhat underreacting to the [needs of the] elderly," Barsanti said Tuesday during a monthly briefing in St. Charles .

Barsanti said he envisions the county office center coordinated with the state agency that investigates elder abuse.

Barsanti said he would want an experienced investigator to lead the unit, but without additional money, he is looking for that person in-house.