Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By: Rachel Autera-Polzin, Volunteer Intern Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, but who comprises the elderly population? Anyone can become a victim, including your grandmothers and grandfathers, neighbors and friends. Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults. In Michigan, there are approximately 40,000-50,000 elder abuse cases annually; which include physical abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of elder abuse cases that go unreported each year. Some of the abusers in these cases are family, caretakers, or medical personnel. Cases are unreported … Continue reading Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Share financial information with your spouse now to avoid problems later

Via Consumer Financial Protection Bureau By Erin Scheithe It’s common for couples to share their financial lives but not the responsibility for managing household finances. It might be time-consuming for both of you to review your bills, as well as spending and savings plans each month. But if responsibilities unexpectedly shift due to a sudden illness or loss of a spouse, getting up to speed quickly … Continue reading Share financial information with your spouse now to avoid problems later

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

By Jennifer Blanck, MiCAFE Network Coordinator  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be celebrated this year during the week of April 8-14th. This is a week dedicated to raising awareness about victimization, the effect it has on the individual, their family, friends, and the community around them.   The theme for this year’s event is “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims”. This is meant to emphasize the importance of communities, organizations, professionals, and … Continue reading National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Scammers impersonate the Social Security Administration

Via Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information By Ari Lazarus Your Social Security number is an important key for an identity thief. Scammers want it, and they think of all sorts of ways to trick you into giving it away. Here at the Federal Trade Commission, we’re getting reports about calls from scammers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. They say there’s been a … Continue reading Scammers impersonate the Social Security Administration

A calculator

Managing Someone Else’s Money: Protect My Money

By Michelle Goetz, Project Coordinator Millions of Americans are managing money or property for a loved one or friend who is unable to pay bills or make financial decisions. Yet, there are billions of dollars that are inappropriately taken from vulnerable seniors and veterans. To help you know your rights and responsibilities as a conservator, trustee, power of attorney, or veterans’ affairs fiduciary/ representative payee, … Continue reading Managing Someone Else’s Money: Protect My Money

Husband and wife looking at computer scared.

Data Shows Fraud Complaints on the Rise in Michigan

by Miles Morley, MiCAFE Community Partner Liaison The Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) has released their 2015 Data Book. CSN is a database of consumer identity theft and fraud complaints. The complaints are gathered from federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Internal Revenue Service, state law enforcement organizations, such as the Michigan Office of the Attorney General, and non-governmental … Continue reading Data Shows Fraud Complaints on the Rise in Michigan

Man standing by himself.

Elder Law of Michigan Helps in the Fight Against Elder Abuse

by Teresa Elliott, MiCAFE Student Intern As the new student intern at ELM, I had the opportunity to attend an elder abuse prevention training event in Jackson, MI. ELM’s Vice President, Ron Tatro, conducted the training that was targeted toward professionals who have regular contact with older adults. The objective of the training was to increase awareness of elder abuse and to expand knowledge of … Continue reading Elder Law of Michigan Helps in the Fight Against Elder Abuse

Senior Couple

PREVNT: Elder Justice Task Force

by Ron Tatro, Vice President This post is part four of a series of blog posts covering Elder Law of Michigan’s efforts and partnerships to prevent elder abuse across Michigan. In May, we shared with you the third of four segments within our elder abuse project called the PREVNT Initiative (Prevent Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Neglect, Exploitation Today). This month we are excited to … Continue reading PREVNT: Elder Justice Task Force

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

by Skye Felsing, Project Administrator, PREVNT Initiative World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. WEAAD is held each year to “provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising … Continue reading World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

PREVNT: Providing Training to In-Home Nurses and Social Workers 

by Skye Felsing, Project Administrator, PREVNT Initiative This post is part three of a series of blog posts covering Elder Law of Michigan’s efforts and partnerships to prevent elder abuse across Michigan. In April, we shared with you the second of four segments within our new elder abuse project called the PREVNT Initiative (Prevent Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Neglect, Exploitation Today). This month, we … Continue reading PREVNT: Providing Training to In-Home Nurses and Social Workers