Protecting Older Adults from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, safety, and respect. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency partners with Area Agency on Aging Region IIIC to connect older adults and dependent adults with compassionate, confidential support when abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurs. Whether you are seeking help for yourself, a loved one, or someone in your community, trained victim specialists are available to provide advocacy, resources, and guidance at no cost. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, and help is available every step of the way.
Services to Victims of Elder Abuse
Dedicated staff at the Area Agency on Aging IIIC serve victims of elder and dependent adult abuse, neglect and/or exploitation through a person-centered and trauma-informed approach.
The Services to Victims of Elder Abuse Program offers support and services such as personal and criminal advocacy, referrals to community organizations, emergency financial assistance and much more.
All services are provided free of charge, regardless of client ability to pay for services rendered or the availability of insurance or other third-party payment resources. Area Agency on Aging (IIIC) must comply with federal laws and MDHHS contract provisions that prohibit discriminiation on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, partisan considerations or genetic information.
Who We Serve
- Any victim of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation who is age 60 or older who resides in St. Joseph or Branch County
- Any victim of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation who is 18 or older and is dependent on others due to disability who resides in St. Joseph or Branch County
If you are unsure of what resources you are needing or have questions, please feel free to call our victim specialist at 517-278-2538.
Potential Red Flags of Abuse
Neglect
- Lack of basic hygiene, adequate food or medical aids
Financial
- Lack of items the victim can afford
- Unusual spending and/or gift giving in large sums
- Purchasing of gift cards to pay for services
- Involved in an online relationship where the other person is requesting gifts or money
Physical/Sexual
- Unexplained fractures, bruises, welts, cuts, sores or burns
- Unexplained sexually transmitted infections
Emotional/Mental
- Unexplained changes in behavior
- Caregiver/family isolates elder/dependent adult
- Caregiver/family is verbally aggressive or demeaning, controlling or uncaring