Texas ranks as one of the top three states with the highest rates of elder abuse, according to new data from the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS).
The findings, based on reports from 2016 to 2022 by NAMRS, show a concerning rise in elder mistreatment nationwide, with Texas, Missouri, and Washington topping the list for the states with the most incident reports.
In Texas, an average of 127,724 elder maltreatment reports are filed each year, translating to 3,115 cases of abuse per 100,000 elderly residents.
“Self-neglect” is the most common form of reported mistreatment, with 73,139 cases annually reported in Texas. This form of “mistreatment”, when an elderly person is unable to perform basic self-care, is often seen as abuse when there is a lack of resources or intervention to support individuals in maintaining their independence or basic health.
Self-neglect is actually a widespread issue across the nation, with over a quarter million annual reports in the 37 states with available data.
The report placed Washington state at the top of the list, with 3,597 mistreatment reports per 100,000 elderly residents. The Evergreen State sees an average of 47,252 cases annually, with financial exploitation listed as the most prevalent form of abuse.
Missouri follows closely behind, with 3,309 reports per 100,000 elderly residents and a total of 36,942 cases each year.
The new data, compiled by Gruber Law Offices, shows the ongoing challenges in addressing elder abuse across America, particularly in states like Texas, where the senior population continues to steadily grow.
“Many elderly patients in nursing homes already suffer from illnesses or medical conditions, making it crucial to take any improper treatment seriously. It’s alarming that these maltreatment figures are so high, especially in states like Washington, Texas, and Oregon,” Attorney Steven Gruber said.
“Providing the best care for the elderly is more critical than ever, especially given that a growing proportion of Americans are living longer,” he added
Other states ranked by the study in the top 10 for elder abuse include Maine, Oregon, Kansas, Alaska, Montana, Oklahoma and Virginia. These states report rates of abuse ranging from roughly two to three thousand cases per 100,000 elderly residents each year.