Elder Rights

Elders have rights.

If you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation, call (855) 444-3911 any time day or night to make a report.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Adult Protective Services investigators protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by coordinating with mental health, public health, law enforcement, the probate courts, the aging network, community groups and the general public. If you suspect abuse, neglect or exploitation, call (855) 444-3911 any time day or night to make a report. Staff will investigate allegations within 24 hours after the report is received.

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• Vulnerable: A condition in which an adult is unable to protect himself or herself from abuse, neglect, or exploitation because of a mental or physical impairment or advanced age.
• Abuse: Harm or threatened harm to an adult’s health or welfare caused by another person. Abuse may be physical, sexual or emotional.
• Neglect: 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.
• Exploitation: Misuse of an adult’s funds, property, or personal dignity by another person.
• Caregiver Abuse: People responsible for providing care may harm the adult in ways that may or may not be obvious. Caregiver Abuse Prevention Brochure

For further information, contact your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office. If your county is not listed below, please click here to see a full listing.

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Legal Aid

Legal assistance is available to seniors (age 60+) with legal concerns through representation, advice and referrals. Connect with the following resources for assistance or call the Info Line for Aging and Disability at (800) 654-2810 for more information.

Legal Aid of Western Michigan – (888) 783-8190

Provides free legal assistance to low income persons and seniors in non-criminal, non-fee generating matters. The attorneys at Legal Aid of Western Michigan provide a full range of legal assistance to eligible clients. The program also has a long history of community partnerships addressing the needs of low income, Seniors, persons with handicaps, and Domestic Violence survivors. Services include:

• Counsel and advice–including telephone intake, advice &  brief service;
• Representation in cases with administrative agencies;
• Representation in Michigan Courts.

MI Department of Civil Rights – (800) 482-3604

Works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws and investigates and resolves discrimination complaints. It also provides information and services to businesses on diversity initiatives, and equal employment law.

Ombudsman

The Long Term Care Ombudsman program was created to help address the quality of care and quality of life experienced by residents who reside in licensed long term care facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care facilities. The Long Term Care Ombudsman program is available toll free at (866) 485-9393 for concerned relatives to investigate complaints, suggest remedies, and assist with resident rights, payments, issues, guardianship, and nursing home placement.

Residents and families may receive information, learn how to resolve problems or begin the complaint process for concerns in licensed nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. Your local Ombudsman works with individual residents to resolve problems and promote high quality care. They provide a community presence by routinely visiting residents of long term care facilities.

When to call an ombudsman

• When you have unresolved questions or concerns about care in a facility.
• When you have questions about your rights in a long term care facility.
• When you have questions on alternatives to nursing home care.
• When you want to learn more about best practices and creative solutions to problems in long term care settings.
• When you are shopping for long term care services.
• When you have questions or need technical expertise on long term care issues.
• When you want to schedule a presentation on issues related to long term care.

For more information about the state-wide Long Term Care Ombudsman program, call (866) 485-9393 or visit https://mltcop.org/