Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is in the middle of a 12-stop
tour around the state hearing experiences of elder abuse. She and state
Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein were at the Berrien County
Health Department Monday morning for the third such session.
“By going to every corner of this state, we learn as much as we
possibly can so that we know that we’re doing the right thing as we move
forward as we move forward in order to try to fill these initiatives
and to try to provide the very best solutions we can to the problems
that are facing seniors all around the state,” said Nessel.
Justice Bernstein says elder abuse, which is often either physical
abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, is a much bigger problem than
many have thought.
“This is something that affects literally everyone,” said Bernstein.
“Either themselves, someone in their family, or someone they know. This
is one of those issues where we can make a difference for literally
everybody.”
Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski applauds their efforts,
telling WSJM News he sees evidence of senior being abused financially
almost every week. He says one issue he has, however, is the state is
looking at reviewing conservators in charge of the finances of elderly
residents every three years, which he says isn’t enough.
“In Michigan, the law says after three years (of not paying property
taxes), your house is foreclosed on. So it needs to be followed up, I
think, every year,” Witkowski said. ”
Nessel and Justice Megan Cavanagh will be in Kalamazoo on Tuesday for
the fourth listening session. The Attorney General and the two justices
established the Michigan Elder Abuse Task Force earlier this year.
Full Article & Source:
Attorney General Brings Elder Abuse Listening Tour To SWMI
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