Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced the release of the latest Elder Abuse Task Force newsletter, which details recent progress in protecting older adults in the state. The newsletter provides updates on resources available to residents and features information about the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Adult Protective Services (APS) program.
Nessel stated, “The Elder Abuse Task Force has made significant strides in our efforts to protect Michigan’s older adults, and this newsletter offers a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished this year. I am proud of the collaboration and dedication shown by our partners across the state, and I know that they will continue this great work next year and beyond.”
A key feature in the newsletter is a follow-up report from the Michigan Office of the Auditor General. This review covered activities from October 1, 2022, to February 28, 2025, following up on a previous audit conducted in February 2022 regarding APS. The findings indicate that MDHHS addressed several areas highlighted in earlier recommendations. Improvements were noted in law enforcement reporting, supervisory review processes, timeliness of investigations, and staff training within APS.
The newsletter also outlines major achievements by the Elder Abuse Task Force during 2025:
– Changes to the Michigan Uniform Securities Act now require certain financial professionals to report suspected financial abuse involving vulnerable adults.
– Updates have been made to the Elder Abuse & Task Force (EATF) webpages. These pages provide definitions for physical, emotional, and financial abuse as well as signs such as unexplained injuries or missing funds.
– New multilingual brochures about elder abuse are available upon request for organizations aligned with EATF’s mission.
– House Bills 4418, 4419, and 4734 have passed in the House. These bills aim to establish clearer guidelines for surrogate medical consent for vulnerable adults but still await Senate Committee review.
Additionally, free Power of Attorney forms can be downloaded from the Department of Attorney General’s website. Created by Cooley Law School’s Kimble Center for Legal Drafting, these documents help residents assign someone they trust to manage important financial or medical decisions if needed.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 older adults in Michigan experience some form of elder abuse each year through neglect or exploitation. Residents seeking support or wishing to report suspected cases can call either 800-24-ABUSE (22873) or 855-444-3911.
