Elder Abuse Town Hall Opens the Lines of Communications

State Representative Jewell Jones, along with along with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and State Senator Betty Jean Alexander met with residents at a town hall in Inkster on August 26 to discuss issues of importance to seniors in the community. Also on hand for the meeting were Kari West representing The Senior Alliance, Denise Champagne representing the Inkster Aging Commission and representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Nessel provided information about her recently announced Elder Abuse Task Force, which aims to require professional guardians to become certified, develop basic statutory rights for families, and limit the number of wards per guardian, to name a few. Nessel's website states that more than 73,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse. The attorney general also addressed attendees on information regarding prevalent telephone scams which target the elderly.

"You should never be giving out your personal information to someone that you don't know who contacted you," Nessel told the audience. She said scammers call posing as grandchildren, the Social Security Administration, insurance companies, and home improvement companies. "If you don't recognize the number, please don't pick up the phone."

West echoed Nessel regarding scams, inviting attendees to call The Senior Alliance for assistance if they believe they have been the victim of a scam. West also introduced the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, which assists with filing complaints against nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Champagne addressed attendees, informing them of services available through Inkster's Aging Commission. The commission provides non-financial support services such as transportation, advocacy, and exercise programs.

A Q&A session following the speakers allowed members of the community to voice their concerns, share their stories and ask about agencies who can provide help and relief.

"Seniors are a vital and cherished part of our community," said Jones. "I was honored to host this event to connect with seniors in the community and will continue working to ensure they have access to the resources they need." If you missed the event and would like to receive information about available resources and legislative issues relevant to seniors, contact Jones by phone at 517-373-0849 or by e-mail at [email protected].