2017’s States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections

From Wallet Hub, Dec 6, 2017

Abuse happens every day and takes many forms. But vulnerable older Americans are among the easiest targets for this misconduct, especially those who are women, have disabilities and rely on others for care or other type of assistance. By one estimate, elder abuse affects as many as 5 million people per year, and 96 percent of all cases go unreported.

Unless states take action to prevent further abuse, the problem will grow as America becomes an increasingly aging nation. The U.S. Census Bureau expects the population aged 65 and older to nearly double from 43.1 million in 2012 to 83.7 million in 2050, much to the credit of aging Baby Boomers who began turning 65 in 2011.

Fortunately, states recognize that elder abuse is a real and growing issue. But sadly, only some are fighting hard enough to stop it. WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 11 key indicators of elder-abuse protection in 3 overall categories. Their data set ranges from “share of elder-abuse, gross-neglect and exploitation complaints” to “financial elder-abuse laws.” ....

read … Full Report

States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections

Hawaii

• 22nd -- Overall Rank
• 51.69 -- Total Score
• 5th -- ‘Prevalence’ Rank
• 50th -- ‘Resources’ Rank
• 40th -- ‘Protection’ Rank
• 5th-Lowest Elder Abuse, Gross-Neglect, and Exploitation Complaints
• 2nd-Lowest Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Funding