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Elder Abuse Task Force
Elder Abuse Task Force
The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors - all working together to combat elder abuse.
The more than 100 individuals on the Task Force are divided into seven committees working diligently to accomplish nine initiatives. Achievements include the adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form for investigations by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings.
In addition to the vulnerable adult incident report and associated trainings, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was passed that ensures mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation. Additionally, legislation has been introduced to address the remainder of the First Revised initiatives and the Task Force is eager to work with its legislative partners this year to put in place increased protections for Michigan's most vulnerable.
AG Nessel Issues a New Video Discussing Uniform Power of Attorney Law
Michigan’s recently passed Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) is now in effect and Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a public service announcement explaining the new law.
The UPOAA adopts uniform standards for the creation and use of a power of attorney form used by more than 30 other states. The passage of this law is expected to increase financial institutions’ and healthcare providers’ acceptance of Power of Attorney forms; reduce the number of guardianship and conservatorship court proceedings in the state; and impose penalties if an agent uses the power granted by a Power of Attorney to steal from or abuse the person they are acting on behalf of.
Frequently Asked Questions: Guardian Legislation (HB 4909-4912 & 5047)
Why is this legislation necessary?
The status quo is unacceptable. The Attorney General, members of the Michigan Supreme Court, and legislators met with Michiganders across the state to hear first-hand about experiences with the EPIC adult guardianship system. Time and time again, Michiganders shared concerns about:
- A lack of due process at guardianship hearings, including notice and a right to be heard.
- Family members being passed over to serve as guardian in favor of professional guardians.
- Individuals being moved from their long-time homes into nursing homes, with treasured personal items ending up in the garbage.
- Guardians preventing visits with loved ones.
- A lack of transparency about how an individual’s funds are spent.
- A lack of personal relationship between guardians and the individuals whose lives they control.
In addition to concerns raised by members of the public, members of the Elder Abuse Task Force have met since 2019 to discuss issues from their perspectives as professionals familiar with the EPIC adult guardianship process.
Elder Abuse Training Resources
The Elder Abuse Task Force is a dynamic group of difference makers who are laser focused on improving the lives of older adults.
Resources
In the News
Mi-VAT and E-MDT Protocols
Elder Justice Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Working Together to Meet the Needs of the Community
Fighting elder abuse is a challenge that cannot be tackled by one discipline alone. Learn about the importance of multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and how your community can work together to bring renewed focus to a growing problem.
Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT)
This is a guide to create a community-based Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT). This is a companion document to the Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (MI-VAT) Investigative Protocol.
Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (MI-VAT)
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation
Physical Signs
- Dehydration or unusual weight loss
- Missing medication or medical assistive devices
- Unexplained injuries or sores
- Unsanitary living conditions or poor hygiene
- Unattended medical needs or missed appointments
Emotional Signs
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep patterns
- Withdrawal from normal activities
- Isolation from friends or family
- Increased anxiety or fear
- Hesitance to speak in presence of "caregiver"
Financial Signs
- Unpaid bills (elder adult receives foreclosure warnings, electricity is shut off)
- Unusual changes in spending patterns (increases in ATM withdrawals, checks made out to cash, or written out of order)
- Missing household items (cherished heirlooms, expensive tools, or other valuable items)
- Unexpected changes in wills or property deeds (property deeded/will changed to benefit "new friend")
- Purchase of large items the elder adult does not use (vehicles when the adult does not drive, timeshare purchases when adult is homebound)