May 4,  2009

           LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today announced the launch of SeniorBrigade.com, a new one-stop website that provides a wide range of helpful information for seniors, their family members and caregivers.  Cox was joined by representatives of AARP and the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan, who attended in support of the initiative.

           "With Michigan's senior population projected to nearly double by 2030, we felt it was important to assemble a wide range of valuable information and resources they will need in the coming years," said Cox.  "By logging on to SeniorBrigade.com, seniors and those who provide care for them have a place to turn to for trusted information, 24 hours a day."

           The website, which includes an interactive senior event calendar, focuses on four topics:

• Health Care: SeniorBrigade.com helps visitors compare prescription drug costs in their community, evaluate Michigan health care facilities, learn what to look for when choosing a nursing home, find ready-to-use legal forms, learn about health care-related scams to avoid, and educate themselves about healthy living.

• Financial Matters: SeniorBridgade.com provides information on how to avoid common investment scams and fraud, along with tips on retirement and financial planning.  This section also includes basic legal forms to give guidance to seniors in estate planning. 

• Consumer Protection: SeniorBrigade.com includes a comprehensive guide to help seniors avoid identity theft and other scams, and instructions on how to report such crimes to appropriate authorities. 

• Veterans Affairs: Veterans have access to many programs and benefits, but it is not always easy to be fully aware of them.  SeniorBrigade.com provides easy access to this information by offering links to state and federal agencies.

• Senior Events Calendar:  SeniorBrigade.com includes information on events around Michigan that focus on the interests of seniors.  Seniors can sort the calendar by categories and may also submit events to be posted online.

Michigan senior advocates recognize the need to increase the use of the Internet to educate seniors and their support network about the dangers posed by scams.  "With an increasing number of scams that can quickly turn seniors into victims, seniors and their families need to know what to watch out for," said Felicia Wasson, of AARP of Michigan.  "By using this website, seniors can be better prepared to protect themselves."

 Mary Ablan, Director of the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan, said the website offers advantages to seniors looking for guidance.  "This new website puts a comprehensive set of tools online for seniors and their support network, where they can access it at anytime," said Ablan.  "People know and trust the Attorney General's office, and I am sure they will find this new website very useful."    

 The SeniorBrigade.com initiative was created as the result of a public-private partnership between the Attorney General's office and private participants, including Microsoft and the Foundation for a Stronger Michigan.

  "We're honored to work with Attorney General Mike Cox and the Foundation for a Stronger Michigan on the SeniorBrigade.com initiative, which provides online tools and educational materials to help Michigan seniors and their families stay safe and healthy," said Tim Cranton, associate general counsel, Microsoft.

              The website went "live" earlier today, and can be found at www.seniorbrigade.com

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