Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has introduced a revamped webpage for the Elder Abuse Task Force, aiming to provide an accessible and user-friendly resource for those looking to understand, report, and prevent elder abuse.
The Elder Abuse Task Force in Michigan was established in 2019 and comprises over 55 organizations from various sectors working collaboratively to address elder abuse. More than 100 members are actively involved in pursuing nine initiatives, including mandatory certification and training for professional guardians.
The redesigned site showcases several key accomplishments such as the implementation of the Vulnerable Adult Incident Report statewide to investigate abuse or financial exploitation, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act mandating financial institutions to report financial exploitation, educating Michigan residents on recognizing and preventing abuse, and the adoption of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act which aligns with standards used by over 30 states.
“The Elder Abuse Task Force does incredible work to protect some of our most vulnerable residents,” Nessel stated. “This webpage is just another example of how the Task Force is raising awareness, expanding access to resources, and empowering the public to take action in the fight to end elder abuse.”
The updated webpage not only highlights ongoing efforts but also includes previous publications and newsletters, guidelines on identifying signs of elder abuse, FAQs on guardianship laws, and steps for reporting suspected cases.
Over 100,000 older adults in Michigan fall victim to elder abuse annually. Residents seeking resources or wishing to report suspected elder abuse can contact 800-24-ABUSE (22873) or 855-444-3911.