Elder Rights | Region IV Area Agency on Aging

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Protecting the Rights of Older Adults

Respect, safety, and dignity are fundamental rights at every age.

Recognizing and Reporting Abuse

Older adults and people with disabilities have rights. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Michigan Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 855.444.3911 any time, day or night, to make a report. There are also several other programs and services available to help when you need an attorney or advocate on your side.

Elder Abuse Prevention

Area Agency on Aging can help our clients and the public navigate suspicions of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by working closely with adult protective services. We also provide Elder Abuse Prevention Education.

Legal Assistance

Legal assistance is available to adults aged 60 and older who need help with civil legal issues, including advice, representation, and referrals. Each year, Area Agency on Aging helps provide over 1,200 hours of free legal assistance to low-income people and seniors in non-criminal, non-fee-generating matters. The attorneys at Legal Aid of Western Michigan provide a full range of legal assistance to eligible clients.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

Long Term Care and Home and Community Based Ombudsmen are free advocates for residents in long-term care settings. They help address the quality of care and quality of life in facilities such as nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care facilities, and at home through the MI Choice Waiver, Community Transition, and PACE programs.