Seeking Justice in Death's Waiting Room:
Barriers to Effectively Prosecuting Crime in Long-term Care Facilities

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.

by William E. Hanrahan

Lillian sat hunched over in her wheelchair. Her voice was faint; her energy had been almost completely depleted from our brief conversation. Laboring over each of her words, she fought an unending battle with her slipping upper plate. In mid-sentence, she paused and, with a quizzical expression, apologized for losing her train of thought. She then mustered enough strength to reach out and place her trembling hand on mine. As her bony fingers, covered with paper-thin skin, gave my hand a slight squeeze, she assured me, "Don't worry, I don't embarrass easily ... after all, look where I'm sitting ... right here in death's waiting room!" Then, raising her head for the first time, she looked me in the eyes and flashed an impish grin, stopping only to reinsert her false teeth.

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