AGING and DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER	ADRC Main Page

Elder and Adult-at-Risk Abuse

What Is Elder And Adult-At-Risk Abuse? Abuse is defined as the physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, treatment without consent, and unreasonable confinement or restraint. Self-neglect means a person’s physical or mental health is in significant danger because the person is unable to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical, or dental care for his or herself. Persons over the age of 60 are considered elderly and adults-at-risk are persons between the ages of 18-59, who “has a physical or mental condition that substantially impairs his or her ability to care for his or her needs and is at risk of experiencing abuse or self-neglect. Elder and adult-at-risk abuse is often under-reported because the person is often too embarrassed to admit that he or she has been taken advantage of or neglected by a family, caregiver, or stranger. What Happens When a Referral Is Made? When a referral is received regarding the possible abuse or self-neglect, of an elder, the Aging and Disability Resource Center will assign someone to begin looking into the concern. The investigation may include interviewing the elder, caregiver, family members, or other concerned parties. And the elder or adult at risk, if competent, has a right to refuse to participate in the investigation. Who To Call If Abuse Is Suspected? Every county is responsible for identifying an agency that is responsible for developing a reporting system for elder and a abuse. The Health and Human Services Department is designated as that agency for Sheboygan County. If you have concerns about an elder or an adult at risk being abused or possibly engaging in self-neglect, or general information about elder or adult-at-risk, please call the Aging and Disability Resource Center, (920) 467-4100, and report your concerns.

Other Resources
	Guardian Support Center Elder Abuse in Wisconsin Adult at Risk Wisconsin’s Elder Abuse and Adult at Risk Reporting Law

Contact Us Phone:          (920) 467-4100 Toll free :      (800) 596-1919 TTY:               (920) 467-4195 Email:           adrc@co.sheboygan.wi.us