Flint Township View

Conference on elderly abuse considered a success




GRAND BLANC — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was the keynote speaker at the first EDGE program (Educate, Defend & Guard the Elderly) conference held at the Ascension Genesys Conference Center, Oct. 7.

Nessel was on hand to talk about what they are working on at the state level regarding elderly abuse and neglect. Her comments to the conference were part of what was discussed about protecting vulnerable seniors against those seeking to harm this growing population.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Sgt. Jill Macey, who oversees the EDGE program for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during comments made at Sheriff Chris Swanson’s weekly briefing Oct. 6. “COVID set us back, but we are back in full force and ready to have an amazing event.”

Macey said the conference dealt with the elderly who are abused or neglected by offering professional speakers, doctors from community, law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office and the probate court to provide information for anyone working with older adults in the community.

Swanson said there were seminars on what happens in criminal investigations or abuse and neglect of seniors, as well as financial exploitation cases. He said the event was not just for professionals, but anyone taking care of an elderly family member.

While the conference has ended, Macey wanted the community to know that anyone who is aware of any senior suffering from financial abuse, physical abuse, or neglect they can call 911 or 810-257-3422 to report it.

If there is a faith-based group, business, or program in need of education and training the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Elder Abuse Victim Service Division can provide those resources. Visit www.gcsomichigan.com/elder-abuse-victim-service-divison for details.