RI Among Worst States At Protecting Seniors: Wallet Hub

NARRAGANSETT, RI—WalletHub, the personal finance website, is once again rating the 50 states on how they protect senior citizens. Rhode Island came in 46th, meaning the Ocean State is among the worst. The study looked at the prevalence of elder abuse and exploitation complaints and Rhode Island tied for 49th place (with South Carolina and California) with the most. They came up with a number by dividing the number of elder-abuse, gross neglect and exploitation complaints by the number of residents 65 and older. According to the study, the most likely victims are elderly women with a disability.

The study looked at physical and emotional abuse, as well as financial exploitation. Rhode Island does spend money on protecting the elderly, Wallet Hub found. It ranked third best in the nation for throwing resources at the problem. But the state didn't fare well when Wallet Hub looked at the protections, such as elder-abuse laws, policy groups, and elder care organizations. Rhode Island ranked 47th for eldercare organizations and services.

The problems are likely to get worse, Wallet Hub said, as more Baby Boomers turn 65. "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," the study said.

On the map, the darker blue states were doing the most to fight elder abuse and exploitation, while the white ones, including Rhode Island, were deemed not doing enough. For the full report, click here.

Elder-Abuse Protections in Rhode Island (1=Best; 25=Avg.)

• 49^th– Elder-Abuse, Gross-Neglect & Exploitation Complaints*
• 47^th – Number of Eldercare Organizations & Services*
• 30^th – Number of Certified Volunteer Ombudsmen*

*Per resident aged 65

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