LANSING ? Yesterday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Alzheimer?s Association Michigan Chapter for her work to combat elder abuse through Michigan?s Elder Abuse Task Force.?

The Task Force launched in 2019 and consists of more than 55 different organizations and more than 100 individuals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.? ?

?The Alzheimer?s Association Michigan Chapter has been a tireless advocate for our seniors, leading the way in making our state a place where residents can grow older with the assurance that their rights and freedoms will be preserved,? Nessel said. ?I am honored to receive this award and am proud to have the Alzheimer?s Association as part of the Elder Abuse Task Force.??

?It was an obvious choice for the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter to recognize Attorney General Dana Nessel with this year's Excellence in Leadership award,? said Jennifer Lepard, President & CEO of the Michigan Chapter. ?Ensuring the state?s most at-risk populations are safe and secure has been one of her core initiatives, most notably through the Elder Abuse Task Force, on which the Association also works. Through this initiative and additional extensive work in her time in office, Attorney General Nessel has proven she is a true advocate for the state?s most vulnerable, including those living with Alzheimer's and dementia.??

Achievements of the Elder Abuse Task Force include the adoption of a Vulnerable Adult Incident Report form (PDF) for investigation by law enforcement across the state, including the implementation of related trainings. Additionally, the Financial Exploitation Prevention Act was signed into law in 2021 to ensure mandated reporting for financial institutions on suspected fraud or exploitation. Both were part of the Task Force?s first set of initiatives (PDF).????

The Task Force is also working with legislators to reform Michigan?s guardianship and conservatorship practices.????

It is estimated that more than 100,000 older adults in Michigan are victims of elder abuse and that less than half of all instances are reported to authorities. Michigan residents seeking elder abuse resources are encouraged to call 800-24-ABUSE (22873), or 855-444-3911 to report suspected elder abuse.?