May 1, 2006

Members of the Governor's Task Force on Elder Abuse will go on the road to convene three public input forums designed to form the state's plan to address elder abuse.

"These local forums present Michigan citizens with a tremendous opportunity to share their concerns and ideas about the effects of elder abuse on older adults," said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). "Elder abuse can take many forms - physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation - and may be characterized by a variety of symptoms. We want to hear directly from the people about what they think should be done to address this complex and growing social problem."

The purpose of the forums is to obtain public input on the draft recommendations of the Task Force. The draft recommendations are available for review at www.elderabusemi.org or www.michigan.gov/miseniors  or by calling 517-373-8230. Information gleaned will have a direct effect on the development of the final report.

Upcoming Forum Dates and Locations:

Monday, May 8, 2006 - St. Ignace Little Bear East Community Center 275 Marquette Street

Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - Detroit Greater Grace Temple 23500 W. Seven Mile Road

Friday, May 12, 2006 - Grand Rapids City Council Chambers 300 Monroe NW, 9th floor

All forums will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. If special accommodations are needed to attend any of the forums, please contact the OSA office at (517) 373-8230. Written comments may be submitted to the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, P.O. Box 30676, Lansing, MI 48909-8176 until May 12, 2006.

The Task Force on Elder Abuse was established by Executive Order 2005-11. The 17 members, who represent key sectors of the community dedicated to protecting older adults, were charged with assisting the state in identifying new resources, best practices, and necessary changes in law, policies, and practices to assist in preventing elder abuse.