Price County Reports 22 Elder Abuse Referrals in Single Quarter as Protective Placements Surge
Last updated: September 2026
Price County health officials reported 22 elder abuse and neglect referrals in the second quarter of 2026, a figure that surfaced during the July 8 Health and Human Services Board meeting and prompted discussion about the hidden scale of elder mistreatment in rural communities.
The numbers, presented as part of the Adult Protective Services quarterly report, paint a picture of a system under growing strain. Four emergency protective placements have already occurred in 2026, exceeding the total for all of 2025. The county also conducted 18 protective placement reviews during the same period.
“We’ve had four [emergency protective placements] already this year, and that’s more than we had last year for the entire year,” said Dawn, the Aging and Disability Resource Center Branch Manager, during the meeting.
What Counts as Elder Abuse
Adult Protective Services in Wisconsin investigates referrals involving adults over 60 who are believed to be victims of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. In Price County, those referrals come from a range of sources, including law enforcement, medical providers, family members, and concerned community members.
The county participates in an Interdisciplinary Team approach that brings together law enforcement, medical professionals, behavioral health staff, ADRC representatives, local banks, and hospice providers to review complex cases. The team meets every other month, exceeding the quarterly minimum of four meetings per year required by the county’s elder abuse grant.
At the most recent Interdisciplinary Team meeting, Sarah Ritalock from a local bank presented on financial fraud procedures, a topic that has gained urgency as cryptocurrency scams target older residents.
Bitcoin Machine Fraud Draws State Action
The team discussed a new state law regulating Bitcoin transaction machines, which have become a favored tool for scammers exploiting elderly victims. Approximately 90 percent of Bitcoin machine transactions were found to be fraudulent, according to data shared at the meeting. The new law sets daily transaction limits on the machines in an effort to curb losses.
Financial exploitation is one of the most difficult forms of elder abuse to detect, according to health officials, because victims may not realize they are being scammed until the money is gone. The involvement of local banks in the Interdisciplinary Team represents an effort to catch suspicious transactions before the damage becomes irreversible.
Staffing Gaps Complicate Response
The county’s ability to respond to elder abuse cases is being tested by staffing turnover in the Health and Human Services Department. With attorney Megan departing, the county has relied on Attorney Bryce Shaneborn and Attorney Mike Sheffler from the Medford office to cover Children and Youth, Adult Protective Services, and Behavioral Health cases.
The department has also seen multiple resignations in its behavioral health unit, which works alongside Adult Protective Services on cases involving mental health crises among elderly residents. Two behavioral health positions remain open, and interviews were scheduled for September.
Despite the staffing challenges, the ADRC reported some positive developments. A disability benefits specialist has brought $174,956 year-to-date into the community through benefit access assistance, and the ADRC governing board secured a $28,000 increase in its county allocation after changing how funds are distributed.
Rural Context and National Trends
Price County’s experience mirrors a broader national trend. Rural counties across Wisconsin face disproportionate challenges in elder abuse detection and response due to geographic isolation, limited public transportation, and fewer community resources compared to urban areas.
Older adults in rural communities may live miles from nearest neighbors, making signs of neglect or exploitation less visible. The county’s Elderly and Disabled Transportation Program, which relies on volunteer drivers, reported high demand in April and May, underscoring the difficulty rural seniors face in accessing services and support networks.
The Health and Human Services Board was briefed on the data but took no specific action during the July meeting. The next HHS Board meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2026, where an update on third-quarter referrals is expected.
See also: our guide to free camping in Wisconsin
See also: what makes Price County communities special
See also: our weekend weather preview
Resources for Reporting
Price County residents who suspect elder abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation can contact the Health and Human Services Department during business hours. In emergencies, local law enforcement should be contacted immediately. The county’s Interdisciplinary Team meets six times per year to review complex cases and coordinate responses across agencies.