June 2020

Elder Abuse and Neglect

June is the month we raise awareness of elder abuse in our world.  During this pandemic, caregiver stress and reduction in home care assistance has the potential to put older adults at risk for abuse or neglect.  Alongside Region 2 Area Agency on Aging, the Lenawee Department on Aging is working to educate our community on the various types of elder abuse and the resources available for assistance.

Elder Abuse is any action or inaction that threatens the health or well-being of an older adult.  Men and women of all races or economic levels, regardless of physical or mental health, can be victims of mistreatment.  Most frequently, the perpetrator is someone the elder knows: neighbor, adult child, family member, or care provider. 

There are several different types of elder abuse:

• Physical abuse is the non-accidental use of force that results in physical pain or injury. 
• Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an elder’s resources for profit or gain.
• Neglect is the failure of caregivers, either intentionally or unintentionally, to provide needed care.
• Self-neglect is when individuals may threaten their own health or safety by failing to provide for their own basic daily needs.
• Older adults are also subject to experience sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Should you or someone you know be in need of assistance, the following resources are available:

Legal hotline for seniors, Elder Law of Michigan, 1-800-347-5297

Adult Protective Services, to report suspected abuse or neglect of an older adult, call the statewide 24/7 hotline at 855-444-3911

Michigan Protection and Advocacy provides assistance and advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities.  1-800-288-5923

Long Term Care Ombudsman helps long -term care residents and concerned relatives with complaints and long-term care issues in licensed nursing facilities.  1-866-485-9393

Lenawee Department on Aging and Region 2 Area Agency on Aging are available to facilitate connections to these resources as well.  517-264-5280 and 800-335-7881 respectively.

Elder Abuse Awareness (pdf)