
Elder and vulnerable adult abuse, neglect and exploitation are behaviors committed against an elder or vulnerable adult who is unable to protect himself or herself due to a mental or physical impairment or due to advanced age.
- Abuse is harm or threatened harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by another person.
- Neglect is the inability or failure of the adult, or an individual responsible for the care of the elder or vulnerable adult, to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, etc.
- Exploitation is the misuse of an adult's funds, property or personal dignity by another person.
If you suspect elder or vulnerable adult abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred in
- A private residence,
- An unlicensed setting such as an assisted living facility,
- An adult foster care home,
- A home for the aged, or
- A nursing home where the suspected perpetrator is not an employee of the facility or the resident is on leave from the nursing home
http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-29941_30590-46053--,00.html
Statewide 24-Hour Hotline: 1-855-444-3911
Help lines/ Hotlines
Elder Abuse/ Domestic Community
1-800-99 NO ABUSE or 1-800-996-6228
Bureau of Health Services Abuse Hotline: 1-800-882-6006
NASW Resources
Aging/Gerontology Work Group
Join with Michigan leaders in gerontology for our monthly work group meeting. If you are interesting in networking, learning about current best practices, sharing case studies, or presenting then this group is perfect for you! The group meets the first Friday of each month from 1-3pm at the NASW-Michigan office in Lansing (no meeting in January). Call in options always available! If you would like to get added to the group listserv please email Duane Breijak at dbreijak@nasw-michigan.org.
NASW Credentials
The field of gerontology recognizes that older adults have distinct characteristics that can be differentiated from earlier stages of adulthood. Social work practice with older adults encompasses a broad range of functions. Whether working in micro or macro settings, the primary goal of the social worker is to address the specific challenges of the aging process by promoting independence, autonomy, and dignity in later life. Social workers in gerontology must be knowledgeable about unique legislation, policies and social programs that affect older adults. In addition, they must be knowledgeable about the aging process and the issues older adult and their caregivers face, adept at accessing resources for clients, and strong advocates who champion their rights
- The SW-G credential represents bachelor’s level experience and excellence for social workers specializing in gerontology. Bachelors’ level social workers specializing in gerontology possess knowledge and skills necessary for serving older adults including: assessment of older adult needs and functional capacity, expertise regarding physical and mental health issues, case and care management, long-term care, elder abuse, quality of life issues, service planning and advance care planning are eligible to apply.
- The CSW-G credential represents master’s level clinical expertise and excellence for social workers specializing in gerontology. Masters level clinical social workers specializing in gerontology possess a variety of knowledge and skills necessary for working with older adults including: assessment of older adult needs and functional capacity and expertise regarding physical and mental health issues, case and care management, long-term care, elder abuse, quality of life issues, service planning and advance care planning, clinical practice, and administration
- The ASW-G credential represents master’s level expertise for social workers specializing in gerontology. Masters level social workers specializing in gerontology possess knowledge and skill in the areas of: assessment of older adult needs, functional capacity, expertise regarding physical and mental health issues, case and care management, long-term care, elder abuse, quality of life issues, and advance care planning, are eligible to apply.
Find more information about gerontology credentials at www.socialworkers.org/credentials.
2014 Practice Perspective: Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
In recent years, the problems of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation have garnered increasing attention within the United States. This publication describes the nature, incidence, and risks of elder mistreatment; highlights recent federal elder justice initiatives; and provides strategies, tools, and resources to help social workers address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation
http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/practice_tools/elder_abuse_neglect_and_exploitation.asp
1000 Experts Campaign
NASW is looking for members who are experts in the area of elder abuse, geriatric social work, and in caregiving to take part in the 1000 Experts Campaign. Our listings helps journalists, policymakers, and others quickly find the names of social work researchers, authors, educators and practice leaders with expertise on critical social issues. If you want to make suggestions for who or what is included in the 1,000 Experts initiative, please send comments to media@naswdc.org.