Protecting the Vulnerable

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Waupaca County is here to support the safety, dignity, and independence of adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Learn how we can help and what steps you can take to protect yourself or someone you care about.

A smiling senior man with glasses in the foreground with another senior man blurred in the background, representing companionship and senior social programs.

Abuse can take many forms and may be intentional or the result of neglect. It includes:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, or causing physical harm
  • Emotional abuse – threats, intimidation, humiliation
  • Sexual abuse – unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact
  • Financial exploitation – stealing money or property, misusing funds
  • Neglect – failing to provide food, shelter, medical care, or supervision
  • Self-neglect – when a person is unable to meet their own basic needs

Abuse can happen anywhere — in a person’s home, at a care facility, or in the community — and is often committed by someone the victim knows and trusts.

If you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited, report it right away.

To report suspected abuse:

  • Call Waupaca County ADRC at 715-258-6400 during regular business hours.
  • In an emergency or after hours, call 920-832-4646.

All reports are confidential.

Older adults and people with disabilities are frequent targets for scams. Common scams include:

  • Phony IRS, Medicare, or Social Security calls
  • Fake tech support or antivirus warnings
  • Lottery or sweepstakes fraud
  • Romance scams or online dating fraud
  • Grandparent scams (pretending to be a relative in trouble)

How to protect yourself:

  • Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call
  • Hang up on suspicious or unsolicited calls
  • Check with a trusted friend or family member before sending money or sharing banking info
  • Report scams to:

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.

Creating a POA while you are still capable helps ensure your wishes are respected and may prevent the need for court-appointed guardianship later.

Need help getting started? Contact the ADRC at 715-258-6400 for information, forms, or legal assistance.

Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to guardianship that allows people with disabilities or cognitive challenges to make their own decisions with help from a trusted team. This team might include family, friends, or professionals who assist by:

  • Explaining options
  • Helping communicate choices
  • Offering support without taking away rights

Wisconsin law recognizes Supported Decision-Making Agreements as a legal tool. They are flexible, less restrictive, and can promote independence.

Learn more by calling the ADRC or viewing these resources from Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities:

Guardianship is a legal process where a court appoints someone (a guardian) to make decisions for a person who is unable to make decisions independently due to a significant disability or incapacity.

Guardianship should be a last resort, used only when other less restrictive options (like POA or Supported Decision-Making) are not sufficient. It can involve:

  • Guardianship of the person – medical and personal decisions
  • Guardianship of the estate – financial and legal decisions

If you have concerns about someone’s ability to make safe decisions and would like to explore guardianship or alternatives, contact the ADRC at 715-258-6400 for guidance.

Link to report form.