10/23/2026
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝, 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝?
Elder abuse doesn’t always leave a visible mark. It can include financial exploitation, neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse or unwanted sexual contact. Sometimes, the warning signs are subtle.
As you spend time with an older family member, friend or neighbor, watch for changes that seem unusual or concerning.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
• Unexplained changes in finances or unusual withdrawals
• Bills going unpaid when there should be money available
• Sudden changes in a person's behavior or relationships
• An older adult becoming unusually fearful, withdrawn or anxious
• Poor hygiene, inadequate food or unsafe living conditions
• Unexplained bruises, injuries or frequent accidents
• Someone suddenly taking control of an older adult’s money, medications or important decisions in a way that seems concerning or out of character
𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐩𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected or financially exploited, you can report your concerns. You don’t have to have proof or know exactly what is happening to make a report.
In Michigan, call 𝟏-𝟖𝟓𝟓-𝟒𝟒𝟒-𝟑𝟗𝟏𝟏 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation. The centralized intake line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and serves communities throughout Michigan. Please be prepared to remain on the line until you reach an Intake Specialist.
𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝟗-𝟏-𝟏.
