by Mark Birdsall

The state of Michigan has unveiled a new, updated website where residents can report suspected incidents of elder abuse, patient abuse and exploitation.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday that her office, in conjunction with the state's Elder Abuse Task Force, has worked to improve the webform where concerned parties can easily and quickly file a report.

“I created the Elder Abuse Task Force in 2019 to bring together a comprehensive group of experts to ensure our elderly and vulnerable populations are protected from abuse,” Nessel said in a press release. “Part of that work is ensuring the tools we provide to the public, like this form, are accessible, easy to complete and up to date.”

According to Nessel's office, more than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are elder abuse victims, and less than half of all instances are reported to authorities. 

The updated form includes sections to identify: 

• The person being abused or in need of assistance;  
• The person alleged to be responsible for the abuse;  
• If the abuse has been previously reported to other agencies; and  
• Details of the abuse.    

The complaints are then investigated by the AG's financial crimes or health care fraud divisions, depending on the details of the allegation.

Assistant Attorney General Scott Teter currently serves as the financial crimes division chief and is also the head of the Elder Abuse Task Force. Assistant Attorney General David Tanay, leader of the health care fraud division, oversees the attorney general's Sentinel Project.
 
The Sentinel Project was launched in 2021 and uses specially trained staff to examine long-term care facilities for evidence of abuse or neglect through unannounced visits, which performance metrics, complaints and other data will determine. 

"The Department of Attorney General is dedicated to detecting and addressing any neglect or abuse of loved ones residing at home or in long-term care facilities," Nessel said. "Instances of substandard care must be eliminated, and The Sentinel Project helps accomplish that goal."

The Sentinel Project team recently met with Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and other county leaders to discuss how state and county law enforcement agencies can work together to train and investigate allegations of elder abuse in long-term care facilities. The Sentinel Project is launching a series of law enforcement training across the state, beginning Thursday, Oct. 12, in Ingham County. 

Nessel and the task force are working with the state Legislature on a series of bills that will help strengthen guardrails to protect the elderly. The legislation, House Bills 4909-4912 and 5047, will:   

Require a judge to justify on the record why a family member who is willing to serve as a guardian is not suitable. While the law already provides that family members have priority, the modification serves as an additional safeguard to ensure family members get due consideration;   

• Require guardian and conservator certification and visitation frequency; 
• Protect personal items of sentimental value from being discarded;  
• Establish a right to an attorney throughout the proceedings;
• Establish additional protections for individuals before removing them from their homes;
• Improve the basic standard for medical testimony;
• Create an Office of State Guardian to oversee and certify guardians, and more.    

Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations and more than 100 individuals in the public, private and nonprofit sections, all working together to combat elder abuse. 

The task force's achievements include the adoption of a vulnerable adult incident report form for investigation by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related training. Additionally, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was signed into law in 2021 to ensure mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation. Both were part of the task force’s first set of initiatives.   

Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873) or 855-444-3911 to report Suspected Elder Abuse.

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Michiganders can report suspected elder abuse at updated website