Wisconsin’s population aged 65 and older is projected to increase by nearly 100 percent between 2010 and 2040, according to recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
With these sizeable demographic changes on the horizon, Wisconsin is taking steps to limit elder abuse, including nursing home neglect and abuse. In 2017, State Attorney General Brad Schimel announced the creation of the Attorney General’s Task Force on Elder Abuse to combat a problem that is already growing at an alarming rate.
According to the DHS, allegations of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation in Wisconsin increased 160 percent from 2001 to 2017. Late last year, the state’s Task Force on Elder Abuse made specific recommendations.
The plan from the Attorney General’s Task Force on Elder Abuse includes five key components that encompass legislative protections, additional action from state agencies, and better resources for law enforcement:
Late last year, the task force partnered with the Wisconsin Bankers Association, the Wisconsin Credit Union League, and The Department of Justice to produce training materials for bank employees to help spot potential perpetrators of elder financial abuse. According to Rose Oswald Poels, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, “All too often, [it’s] family members that are the perpetrators of these crimes…”
In many cases, victims are reluctant to speak out against their abuser; in some cases, victims may not even be aware a crime has been committed. This is also often true in instances of neglect, emotional cruelty, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
According to Wisconsin’s Annual Elder Abuse and Neglect Report, in 2017 almost half of all calls received by elder abuse county help lines were for self-neglect; about 20 percent were reports of financial exploitation, and about 20 percent involved neglect by others, or emotional or physical abuse.
Although mandatory reporting is required for specific professions (e.g., nurses, family therapists, employees of facilities licensed by the Department of Health and Family Services, etc.), everyone should be vigilant in observing common signs of abuse. If you have reasonable belief that neglect, abuse or financial exploitation has occurred, you can—and should—report it.
Those who make reports made in good faith may not be held civilly or criminally liable or found guilty of unprofessional conduct for making a good faith report. If someone you care about demonstrates signs of abuse contact a county agency to file a report, or call the police if the situation is an emergency.
Click here for a county-by-county list of Wisconsin elder abuse help lines.
Making a report is just one step toward seeking justice should neglect or abuse occur. State investigators may uncover evidence that can be used to initiate criminal charges. Unfortunately, a criminal investigation doesn’t always result in conviction.
Wisconsin’s civil justice system offers victims and their families another way to pursue justice and financial compensation for damages. If you suspect a loved one is a victim of neglect, abuse or financial exploitation, it’s a good idea to arrange a consultation with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney.
The Madison lawyers at Boller & Vaughan are dedicated to helping elder abuse victims and their families recover the financial security they need to cope with medical expenses and other damages, and restore their lives. Our attorneys have an extensive record of success in nursing home abuse cases, including some of the largest assisted-living verdicts in Wisconsin history.
For a free consultation, please call us today at 608-268-0268 or contact us online.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
