Caregiver Conversations

Host:

• Kristie King – Executive Director, Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative
• Antonia Harbin Lamb – Staff Attorney, Elder Law and Advocacy Center, Neighborhood Legal Services, Michigan

Guest:

• Toi Dennis – Elder Staff Attorney, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program, Washtenaw County

Topics Covered:

Introduction to Toi Dennis’ Work

• Toi’s role at the Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program.
• Helping elderly and vulnerable adults who have been victims of crime, abuse, and financial exploitation.
• Overview of the grant from the Victims of Crime Act and how the program operates under Michigan Advocacy Program.

Common Cases Toi Handles:

• Financial exploitation: Misuse of credit cards, fraudulent property transfers, and other severe financial abuse.
• Domestic violence: Physical abuse and denial of access to necessary resources.
• Housing issues: Unfair eviction threats related to disabilities or building renovations.

Restorative Justice for Elders Program:

• A new approach to handling elder abuse, focusing on mediation and repairing relationships between elders and their caregivers.
• Inspired by Native American restorative justice principles.
• How the program will help heal relationships while avoiding punitive legal actions that may strain family ties.
• Plans to begin accepting referrals by October 1st.

The Restorative Justice Process:

• Partnering with organizations like Meals on Wheels and nursing homes to identify elders in need.
• Restorative practice circles that involve both the elder and the person causing harm.
• How mediation sessions will remain confidential, with support services offered to both parties.

Alternatives to Guardianship:

• Toi’s advocacy for less restrictive alternatives to guardianship.
• Why guardianship should only be used as a last resort, and the importance of having powers of attorney in place to avoid guardianship.
• Real-life examples of guardianship abuse and how better support systems could have helped avoid it.

Closing Thoughts:

• Toi’s hope for the future of the Restorative Justice for Elders program and the impact it can have on families.
• Final recommendations on the importance of early planning with powers of attorney.
• Toi’s contact information for anyone interested in learning more about the program or seeking help with elder abuse cases.

Key Takeaways:

• Restorative justice offers an alternative to litigation, focusing on healing relationships rather than punitive action.
• Elders often don’t want to pursue legal actions against trusted caregivers who may have caused harm, making restorative justice an appealing solution.
• It’s critical for families to prepare early by setting up powers of attorney to avoid unnecessary guardianship.

Resources Mentioned:

• Crime Victims Legal Assistance Program – For those seeking assistance with elder abuse or exploitation, visit the program’s website or contact Toi directly at [email protected].
• Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
• Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/