As individuals age, they deserve dignity, safety, and respect. Unfortunately, many older adults face abuse, neglect, or exploitation—often at the hands of those they trust most. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and even self-neglect. Recognizing and addressing these issues is critical to protecting the well-being and rights of our aging population. Perennial Park’s elder abuse services are dedicated to identifying, preventing, and responding to abuse of older adults. We provide confidential support, advocacy, and intervention for victims and their families. Through education, outreach, and collaboration with community partners, we strive to create safer environments and empower older adults to live with security and peace of mind.
To learn more about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, check out these articles from the National Council on Aging and the World Health Organization.
Also make sure to taking care of and protecting yourself from abuse, to learn more, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) and/or read about Elder Self-Neglect.
Below are connections to resources if you, a loved one, or community member is suffering from elder abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
Connect with Resources
Physical Abuse Resources: If you or someone you know may be facing physical abuse, please connect with these resources:
Domestic Harmony offers safe housing for those fleeing abusive situations along with other service for survivors of domestic violence.
WellWise Services Area Agency on Aging has a their Safe Haven program to help those fleeing abusive situations, offers workshops to help with physical and mental well-being including Connection Cafe that is available at Perennial Park every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1-3 p.m., and is another great place to connect to resources with all of your aging needs!
If you or someone you know is currently facing physical (and other) abuse, please contact Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office or the Hillsdale Police Department for immediate help!
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers Adult Protection Services where investigators protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by coordinating with mental health, public health, law enforcement, the probate courts, the aging network, community groups and the general public.
Mental & Emotional Abuse Resources: If you or someone you know may be facing mental or emotional abuse, please connect with these resources:
LifeWays is a community mental health services program serving people in Jackson and Hillsdale counties. They treat adults and children with emotional/behavioral challenges, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use issues.
Seque, Inc. provides quality mental health services to the citizens of Jackson & Hillsdale counties such as Assertive Community Treatment (SCT), case management services, psychiatric services, and help from their Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS).
Behavioral Wellness Center offers compassionate counseling and mental health testing in Hillsdale and Coldwater.
Financial Abuse Resources: If you or someone you know may be facing financial abuse, please connect with these resources:
Our Successful Aging through Financial Empowerment + (SAFE+) program offers help to those facing financial abuse or exploitation with services such as credit checks, identity theft alerts, community presentations and activities, and socialization day trips.
Community Action Agency offers Financial Fitness classes at the Center 1-2 times per year, can assist you with filing taxes with their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and is a great resource if you are struggling with housing or in need of community support!
County National Bank offers help with financial education/guidance and Danna Woolsey is a contact for the Crimes Victim Fraud Department.
The Social Security Administration can help those facing Social Security Fraud and Scams.
Legal Resources: If you or someone you know is looking to take legal action, trying to get out of a legal battle, or looking to put in legal protections, please connect with these resources:
Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) provides free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals, families, and older adults.
Michigan Legal Help has tools and information to help you understand and manage your legal problems. They offer a Guide to Legal Help as well as a great Resource Library.
Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. (ELM), a 501(c)(3), is a nonprofit charitable organization that promotes and protects the rights, health, and economic well-being of older adults and people with disabilities by providing information, advocacy, and professional services.
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) protects the rights of and empowers low income older adults and adults with disabilities through individual advocacy, policy advocacy, litigation, education, and collaboration with local, state, and national partners. They offer services such as the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP) and more!
Disability Resources: If you or someone you know has a disability or impairment that may be more vulnerable to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, please connect with these resources:
DisAbility Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization, assisting and advocating on behalf of individuals and families who deal with the effects of a disease, disability, and aging.
The Alzheimer’s Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading the way to the end of Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating research, driving risk education and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. They aim to eliminate Alzheimer’s through the advancement of research, provide and enhance care for all affected, and reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Michigan Parkinson Foundation is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation dedicated to people living with Parkinson’s Disease. They provide exercise classes, educational programs, medication assistance, and respite care to caregivers. MPF is committed to providing equitable and culturally responsive programs and services to meet the needs of all people living with PD and their families.
Perennial Park offers different support groups to help older adults including Parkinson’s Support Group (meets every 2nd Thursday of the month from 2-3:30 pm), Kinship Care Support Group (meets every 3rd Thursday of the month from 1:30-3 pm), and Alzheimer’s Support Group (meets every 4th Wednesday of the month from 2-3:30 pm).
