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Elder
Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation |
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- Adult
Protective Services
- Elder Abuse Services
- Triad
Each year hundreds of thousands of older
persons are abused, neglected and exploited by family members
and others. Many victims
are people who are older, frail, and vulnerable and cannot help
themselves and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Much of the problem is
hidden or unreported because victims are unwilling or unable to
seek help.
Adult
Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) is
a program designed to assist individuals, age 18 and older, who
have been abused, neglected or exploited, and who are unable to
take effective action on their own behalf. The provision of
Adult Protective Services is mandated by Public Act 519 of 1982.
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Abuse is harm or threatened harm
to an adult's health or welfare caused by another person. An
example of abuse is: A developmentally disabled woman who
resides in the home of her father and is being beaten by him.
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Neglect is harm to an adult's
health or welfare caused by the inability of the adult to
respond to a harmful situation (self-neglect) or the conduct
of a person who assumes responsibility for a significant
aspect of the adult's health or welfare. An example of neglect
is: A physically disabled man is left in bed all
day without a meal or access to toilet facilities.
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Exploitation is the misuse of an
adult's funds, property, or personal dignity by another
person. An example of exploitation is: An elderly woman's son
is using her money for his own needs without her knowledge or
approval.
SOURCE: State of Michigan website:
www.michigan.gov
Older adults may also be victims of sexual
abuse (infliction of non-consensual sexual contact) or
psychological abuse (infliction of mental or emotional anguish
or isolation, e.g., harassment, humiliating, intimidating, or
threatening).
The APS program operated by the
Michigan Department of Human Services, is mandated by law to
investigate cases of suspected abuse, neglect, or financial
exploitation. Within 24 hours of receipt of a referral, an
investigation must be initiated. Based on the in-home visit, the
APS worker will arrange for appropriate services, if the adult
agrees to services.
To report suspected abuse:
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As with any emergency, call
9-1-1 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Contact
your local police department if you are aware of abuse and
someone is at risk.
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Adult Protective Services:
(877) 963-6006 Call to make a report on suspected abuse,
neglect, or financial exploitation
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Vulnerable Adult Abuse and
Exploitation Helpline: (800) 996-6228
This 24/7 statewide service provides crisis
counseling and information & referral services. Helpline
counselor will connect caller to local APS office to make a
report, if appropriate.
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Michigan Attorney General's
office: (800) 24-ABUSE (800-242-2873) Call to make a
report on suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation
by a licensed provider or residential facility. Additional
information:
www.michigan.gov/ag
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Elder
Abuse Services
The service includes the provision of
public education, outreach, and referral with respect to the
prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older
individuals.
Neighborhood Legal Services of Michigan
Elder Law & Advocacy Center
12121 Hemingway
Redford, MI 48239
(313) 937-8291
For additional information:
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TRIAD
Many older adults fear that they
could be victims of crime. While crime rates against the elderly
vary from region to region, an effort to combat victimization of
seniors is underway through coordinated efforts in several
communities nationwide. These efforts are coordinated through a
program called Triad.
Triad is a joint effort of law enforcement agencies (sheriff and
local police departments), senior organizations (including AARP,
RSVP, Area Agencies on Aging, and senior centers), and local senior
leaders. Together these groups have been
focusing on reducing the fear of crime and improving the quality
of life for seniors. Older Adult volunteers are what makes
Triads work. There are many
opportunities to become involved, especially as the Triad
continues to grow and evolve in Wayne County.
Want Information about Triad?
Call (313) 883-2389
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