The issue of abuse of the elderly is one that Michigan has been battling for a long time, but one that will, unfortunately, continue to be a problem as the average age of Michiganders continues to increase. Abuse of the elderly can be anything from actual physical assault to sexual assault to scams and fraud.

The following facts about elder abuse in Michigan are from the State of Michigan website:

The victims: 

• 75% of victims are female
• 80% of all victims have income under $10,000 a year
• The average age of abused elders is 75

The abusers:

• The family is the single greatest source of elder abuse
• In more than half the cases, the abuser is a child of the victim
• Over 2/3 are middle aged or older
• Most live with the victim
• Most neglect is committed by female family members
• Most physical abuse is committed by male family members

• Inability to deal with stress
• Financial burdens
• Unemployment
• Job dissatisfaction
• Rising cost of medical care
• Demands on caregiver’s time
• Rise in family violence

Types of abuse:

• Physical abuse – This involves the beating of the elderly.
• Neglect – This occurs when an elderly person is not receiving the basic day-to-day care that they need.
• Psychological – This may involve the threat of violence, isolation, or deprivation of basic freedoms of choice and happiness
• Financial – Many times the elderly turn their personal finances over to a family caregiver with the hope of avoiding probate court. Crimes committed are: theft, mismanagement of money, or the sale of property without consent.

Elderly crime victim statistics: (from the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center)

In 1999, overall crime was down 5% in Michigan, but crime against persons over 65 was up, including:

• Larceny - up 4%
• Fraud - up 8%
• Burglary - up 11%
• Stolen property - up 17%
• Non-Aggravate Assault - up 18%
• Neglect - up 36%
• 
  

Recognizing Elder Abuse

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are:

• Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse.
• Bruises around the breasts or genital area can occur from sexual abuse.
• Sudden changes in financial situations may be the result of exploitation.
• Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.
• Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses are indicators of verbal or emotional abuse.
• Strained or tense relationships, frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly person are also signs. Read our section on Factsheets & Publications for more information about how caregivers can prevent elder abuse.

Most important is to be alert. The suffering is often in silence. If you notice changes in personality or behavior, you should start to question what is going on.

Reporting Elder Abuse 

Many Michigan professionals including every Deputy and Police Officer are required to report suspected elder abuse by michigan law. The list of those "Mandatory Reporters" is included on the right side of this page.

If you suspect an elderly person is being abused or defrauded either call your local Michigan Sheriff's Deputy or the Michigan Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-996-6228.  To get further information about the Adult Protective Services Program, contact your local Department of Human Services office.