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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. 

Elder Abuse Task Force Committees

Elderly Asian woman on wheelchair at home with daughter take care
The Elder Abuse Task Force Who We Are and What We Are Doing

The Elder Abuse Task Force is a dynamic group of difference makers who are laser focused on improving the lives of older adults.

Mi-VAT and E-MDT Protocols

YouTube thumbnail of the opening slide of the Elder Justice Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Working Together to Meet the Needs of the Community presentation

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.

Elder Justice Multi-Disciplinary Teams: Working Together to Meet the Needs of the Community
E-MDT report cover image

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.

E-MDT Community Engagement Protocol
Mi-VAT report cover image

Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (MI-VAT)

This investigative protocol is a guide for establishing Michigan Vulnerable Adult Teams (Mi-VAT).  Mi-VAT are a type of Multidisciplinary Team established at the county level to investigate and prosecute vulnerable adult abuse cases.
Mi-VAT Investigative Protocol

Warning Signs of Elder Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation

*Source material used with permission from the National Center on Elder Abuse
Dehydration icon - yellow scale on purple background

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
Withdrawal icon - blue and white person icon back-to-back on purple background

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"
Unpaid bills icon- paper with "past due" printed on it on a purple background

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)

Elder Abuse Task Force Members