Elder abuse is a hidden crisis affecting thousands of Michigan seniors every year. In Monroe County, families face the same risks as communities across Southeast Michigan—physical abuse, neglect, emotional manipulation, and financial exploitation that can devastate vulnerable adults and drain lifetimes of savings.
The good news is that Michigan law provides meaningful protections for seniors and vulnerable adults. From criminal penalties for abusers to civil remedies like personal protection orders, legal tools exist to stop abuse and hold perpetrators accountable. But these protections only work when families know how to use them.
This guide explains how to identify elder abuse, report suspected abuse to the proper authorities, and use Michigan’s legal framework to protect Monroe County seniors. Whether you are concerned about a parent in a nursing home, suspect a caregiver is exploiting a vulnerable relative, or want to put preventive measures in place before problems arise, understanding your options is the first step toward keeping your loved ones safe.
Recognizing Elder Abuse and Neglect
Elder abuse takes many forms, and recognizing the warning signs early can prevent serious harm. Michigan law uses the term “vulnerable adult” to describe individuals who, because of age, developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability, require supervision or personal care or lack the personal and social skills to live independently.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes hitting, pushing, restraining, or otherwise causing bodily harm to a senior. Warning signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, or fractures, repeated emergency room visits, and injuries inconsistent with the explanations given.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary food, shelter, medical care, or supervision. Signs include poor hygiene, untreated medical conditions, unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, malnutrition, and lack of necessary medications or assistive devices.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Emotional abuse involves intimidation, humiliation, isolation, or threats that cause psychological harm. Seniors experiencing emotional abuse may appear fearful around certain caregivers, withdraw from family and friends, show sudden changes in behavior, or express feelings of hopelessness.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of elder abuse. It occurs when someone improperly uses a senior’s money, property, or assets for their own benefit. Warning signs include unexplained bank withdrawals, sudden changes to wills or beneficiary designations, missing valuables, new “friends” who take unusual interest in the senior’s finances, and unpaid bills despite adequate resources.
Michigan Laws Protecting Vulnerable Adults
Michigan has enacted specific criminal statutes to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Vulnerable Adult Abuse
Under MCL 750.145n, it is a crime to intentionally or recklessly cause physical or mental harm to a vulnerable adult, or to knowingly or intentionally commit an act that under the circumstances poses an unreasonable risk of harm. Penalties range from misdemeanors for less serious conduct to felonies carrying up to 15 years in prison for first-degree vulnerable adult abuse.
Financial Exploitation
Under MCL 750.174a, it is illegal to obtain or use a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, coercion, or unjust enrichment. Penalties escalate based on the value of assets taken—from misdemeanors for smaller amounts to felonies carrying up to 20 years in prison when the exploitation exceeds $100,000.
These criminal laws give prosecutors powerful tools to hold abusers accountable and deter future exploitation.
Reporting Elder Abuse in Monroe County
If you suspect a senior or vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, reporting promptly can save lives and prevent further harm.
Call 911 for Immediate Danger
If someone is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 first. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments can respond to emergencies and conduct welfare checks.
Report to Adult Protective Services
For suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation that does not involve immediate danger, contact Michigan’s Adult Protective Services (APS) through the statewide centralized intake hotline: 855-444-3911. This hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves all Michigan counties including Monroe County.
APS is part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). When you file a report, APS assigns investigators who work with local law enforcement, probate courts, and community agencies to assess the situation and protect the vulnerable adult.
Anyone can report suspected abuse to APS. You do not need proof—a reasonable suspicion is enough to trigger an investigation.
Mandatory Reporters
Certain professionals are legally required to report suspected vulnerable adult abuse or neglect. Mandatory reporters in Michigan include healthcare providers, social workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, and employees of adult care facilities. Failure to report can result in civil liability and fines.
Reporting Facility Abuse
If abuse occurs in a licensed facility such as a nursing home, adult foster care home, or home for the aged, additional reporting options exist:
- Michigan Attorney General Health Care Fraud Division: 800-242-2873 for nursing home and facility abuse
- LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs): 866-856-0126 for complaints about adult foster care and homes for the aged
Personal Protection Orders for Elder Abuse
Personal protection orders (PPOs) provide a civil remedy that can immediately restrict an abuser’s access to a vulnerable adult. A PPO can prohibit contact, require the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home or care facility, and provide enforceable protection while criminal cases or APS investigations proceed.
Seniors and vulnerable adults can petition for a PPO with help from an attorney or legal aid organization. Violating a PPO is a criminal offense that can result in arrest and additional charges.
Michigan legislators have recently advanced proposals to create specialized “elder and vulnerable adult” protection orders tailored specifically to the unique circumstances of senior abuse. These emerging protections would make it easier for seniors 60 and older or vulnerable adults to obtain protective orders. Families should work with an attorney to understand both current PPO options and any new protections that become available.
Financial Exploitation Protections
Michigan has enacted laws specifically designed to combat financial exploitation of seniors. These protections require or allow broker-dealers, investment advisers, and financial institutions to take action when they suspect exploitation.
Under these provisions, financial professionals may report suspected exploitation to APS and law enforcement. They may also delay disbursements from accounts when they reasonably believe the transaction is the result of financial exploitation. This “pause” gives investigators time to assess the situation before assets are transferred to a potential abuser.
For Monroe County seniors with investment accounts, retirement funds, or significant bank balances, these protections add an important layer of security. Families should ensure their loved ones’ financial advisers and institutions are aware of these reporting obligations and willing to act on red flags.
Prevention Planning for Monroe County Families
The best protection against elder abuse is proactive planning. Putting proper legal documents and safeguards in place before a crisis occurs can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.
Powers of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designations
A well-drafted durable financial power of attorney names a trusted agent to manage finances if the senior becomes incapacitated. Similarly, a patient advocate designation (healthcare power of attorney) authorizes someone to make medical decisions. Choosing trustworthy agents—and including oversight provisions—helps ensure these powerful documents are not misused.
Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust can provide structured management of assets with built-in protections. Naming a corporate trustee or requiring co-trustees for major decisions can add accountability and reduce opportunities for exploitation.
Beneficiary Designation Reviews
Regularly reviewing beneficiary designations on bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies can prevent opportunistic changes by bad actors. Seniors should understand who is currently named and ensure those designations reflect their true intentions.
Financial Monitoring
Setting up account alerts, requiring dual approval for large transactions, and regularly reviewing bank and investment statements can catch suspicious activity early. Family members who stay involved in financial matters—with the senior’s consent—are better positioned to spot exploitation before significant damage occurs.
Community Connection
Isolation is a major risk factor for elder abuse. Regular contact from family, neighbors, faith communities, and senior service organizations provides natural oversight and can catch early warning signs. Monroe County seniors benefit from staying connected to their communities and maintaining relationships with multiple trusted individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Abuse in Monroe County
How do I report elder abuse or financial exploitation in Monroe County?
Call Adult Protective Services at 855-444-3911, the statewide hotline that serves Monroe County and all of Michigan. This line operates 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. You can also contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or local police for emergencies and the Michigan Attorney General at 800-242-2873 for nursing home abuse.
What counts as financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Michigan?
Under Michigan law, financial exploitation occurs when someone obtains or uses a vulnerable adult’s money or property through fraud, deceit, coercion, misrepresentation, or similar means for their own benefit. This includes stealing cash, manipulating someone into changing their will, forging signatures on checks, or pressuring a senior to add someone to their accounts. Penalties increase with the dollar amount involved.
Can a personal protection order help a senior who is being abused?
Yes. A PPO can prohibit an abuser from contacting or approaching the victim, require them to stay away from the senior’s home or care facility, and provide immediate civil protection. PPOs complement APS investigations and criminal charges—they do not replace them. An attorney can help a senior or family member petition for a PPO in the appropriate court.
What legal planning steps help prevent elder abuse?
Key prevention tools include durable powers of attorney naming trusted agents, patient advocate designations for healthcare decisions, revocable living trusts with oversight provisions, and regular reviews of beneficiary designations. Working with an experienced elder law attorney ensures these documents are properly drafted and include safeguards against misuse.
Who is required to report elder abuse in Michigan?
Mandatory reporters include healthcare providers, social workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, and employees of adult care facilities. However, anyone—including family members, friends, and neighbors—can and should report suspected abuse. You do not need proof; a reasonable suspicion is sufficient to make a report to APS.
Are there special protections for seniors against financial exploitation by financial institutions?
Yes. Michigan law allows and in some cases requires broker-dealers, investment advisers, and financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation to APS and law enforcement. These institutions may also delay suspicious disbursements to give investigators time to assess the situation before assets are transferred.
Protect Your Loved Ones: Take Action Today
Elder abuse thrives in silence. Whether you suspect a Monroe County senior is being harmed or want to put protections in place before problems arise, taking action now can prevent devastating consequences for your family.
At Boroja, Bernier & Associates, our elder law attorneys help families throughout Southeast Michigan protect vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We assist with prevention planning, powers of attorney, trust administration, and coordination with Adult Protective Services and law enforcement when abuse has occurred. With our main office in Shelby Township and satellite offices in Troy, Ann Arbor, and Lansing, we serve families in Monroe County and across the region.
To schedule a consultation with the Michigan elder law attorneys at Boroja, Bernier & Associates, call our law offices at (586) 991-7611. We will help you understand your options and take the steps necessary to protect the seniors you love.
