by Julie Randolph, Information & Access and Care Coordination Manager
In 2011 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish June 15th as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring attention to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
Senior Services works in collaboration with our clients and community to build strong supports to foster integrity of services and safety for older adults. Over 73,000 older adults in Michigan report being hurt, exploited, and neglected.
Effective education and prevention involves the public, the older adult, the family and informal care partners.
The Public – Watch for signs of abuse!
Neighbors, banks, credit unions, healthcare providers, grocery and retail workers, postal carriers and public works providers are just a few examples of those who could observe and report concerns.
Older Adults – What can you do?
Family and Informal Care Partners-
Remember that abuse can occur in many forms such as financial exploitation, physical, emotional or verbal, sexual, and self-neglect.
In 2015 Midland County Vulnerable Adult Network (MCVAN) was formed by the Midland County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and Senior Services to address the needs in our community. This collaboration includes representatives from law enforcement, Midland County Public Guardian, Community Mental Health, MyMichigan Health, local housing and care facilities, Shelterhouse, Midland County Health Department, Home To Stay, and Veteran’s Services along with Adult Protective Service workers of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The goal of MCVAN is to increase community awareness and reporting of vulnerable adult abuse and neglect and to coordinate investigations and inter-agency services and provide follow-up of suspected abuse situations. Be aware, speak up, and actively engage in social justice and public policy to enhance the lives of vulnerable adults and those who care for them.
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, report the concerns to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Centralized 24-hour intake at (855) 444-3911. Department of Health and Human Services Adult Protective Services receive confidential reports and conduct investigations to determine if an adult is in need of protection and/or assistance. Adult Protective Services provides protection to vulnerable adults by collaborating with and coordinating community resources and services.
