With many people facing ongoing economic challenges, it is important to recognize that the elderly population, who often rely on a fixed income, are particularly vulnerable to financial, emotional, and physical abuse. To shed light on this important issue, the personal finance website WalletHub recently released its annual report on the States with the Best Elder-Abuse Protections. To determine which states have the best elder-abuse protections, WalletHub compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia across three key dimensions: the prevalence of elder abuse, resources for prevention and assistance, and the quality of those elder-abuse protections.
Elder-Abuse Protections in California (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
*Per resident aged 65+
20th – Total Expenditures on Elder-Abuse Prevention*
19th – Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen*
12th – Nursing-Homes Quality
17th – Total Expenditures on Legal Assistance Development per Residents aged 65+ years
1st – Presence of Financial Crimes against the Elderly Legislation
For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-best-elder-abuse-protection/28754
“Wisconsin has the best collection of elder-abuse protections overall because it features a high number of eldercare organizations and services per capita and invests three times more per elderly resident in elder-abuse programs than the state average,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “Plus, the Badger State promotes educational programs to inform seniors, their families, and caregivers about the signs of abuse, the rights of older adults, and the available resources for assistance. Wisconsin even has mandatory reporting laws that require professionals to report suspected elder abuse.”
Massachusetts ranked second in the U.S. for its elder abuse protections. The state invests a substantial amount in elder abuse prevention programs each year, yet the Bay State’s investment in its long-term care ombudsman program is lower than in many other states, including Wisconsin. Ohio secured the third position due to the state’s remarkable investments in its ombudsman program and a high number of certified volunteers in proportion to its older population.
Wisconsin did come in at number one, followed by Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Vermont, Wyoming, Iowa, West Virginia and, rounding out the top 10, Louisiana.
Conversely, the bottom 10 in Elder-Abuse Protection were Nebraska, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Delaware, New Jersey, South Carolina, Montana, Utah and, at the bottom of the list, California.
Tips for Spotting Signs of Elder Financial Abuse
Watch for Unusual Bank or Credit Card Activity: Be alert to unexplained or sudden changes in an older adult’s financial situation, such as significant withdrawals, transfers, or expenditures. Keep an eye out for any unusual ATM use or unfamiliar purchases.
Be Wary of New or Unusual “Friends”: If the older person has a new acquaintance who seems overly interested in that person’s finances or property, it may be a sign that they have bad intentions. Scammers may capitalize on an older adult’s good nature and friendliness to gain their trust so they can exploit them financially.
Keep an Eye on Social Media and Internet Use: Social media and other online platforms can open the door for fraudsters to engage with vulnerable older adults. It is a good idea to monitor an older adult’s social media profile for suspicious connections and posts that may divulge personal information to others. It’s also wise to monitor their email accounts for potential security concerns.
Pay Attention to Changes in Legal Documents: Watch for any changes in wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other legal documents that appear to benefit someone other than the older individual. These changes could be the result of coercion or manipulation by family members, caregivers, or others who may be pressuring the older adult to make financial decisions against their will.
Be Mindful of Changes in Behavior: Pay attention to changes in the older person’s behavior, such as appearing fearful, anxious, or secretive about their finances. Isolating vulnerable individuals from their friends and family is a common tactic used by fraudsters to maintain control over their victims. If the older adult is avoiding family and friends or is reluctant to discuss their finances, it could be a red flag for elder financial abuse.
Take Note of Any Decline in Personal Care Conditions: Poor living conditions, lack of necessary medical care, or improper nutrition may suggest that financial resources are not being used for the person’s well-being. If the older person is seemingly denied access to food, medication, or necessary care despite having the means to afford it, it could indicate financial exploitation.
