When children are being abused or neglected in Wisconsin's licensed day care settings, most people know to contact the police or social services. When vulnerable, disabled, or elderly adults are being abused, neglected, or exploited in Wisconsin's residential settings, most people do not know where to turn or even whether to intervene. Wisconsin's vulnerable citizens deserve appropriate treatment and protection across their lifespan, regardless of the facility in which they reside.

As our population ages, the civil justice system will be called on more frequently to represent and protect our elderly citizens. Lawyers who serve as advisors, guardians ad litem, estate planners, and litigators, will be asked to protect the civil rights of victims of abuse and neglect. To better serve your elderly clients, read what state and federal laws regulate long-term care facilities, the warning signs of abuse and neglect, and the potential legal claims and remedies available to victims and the

Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services has various tools to ensure that entities and individuals provide appropriate care to vulnerable individuals. Through its regulatory approval, inspection, and investigations, the department oversees the operation of health care entities and service providers, investigates allegations of individual caregiver misconduct, and provides technical support and coordinates its efforts with other county and local agencies that protect and advocate for the disa

Although Wisconsin law shows a robust legislative resolve to combat the abuse of elderly patients and residents in long-term care facilities, the reality is that there are many barriers to eliminating abuse and prosecuting the abusers. Police, prosecutors, and policy makers all need to understand the nature of elder abuse in order to protect a growing population of vulnerable individuals.

The following documents relating to a resident's care and treatment should be gathered for use in determining the appropriate civil claims and remedies when abuse or neglect occurs.