Nursing homes should be trusted facilities where our loved ones receive the care they need. Sadly, there are all too many reports of problems involving neglect and financial abuse in nursing homes. While living in a nursing home, elderly people may fall prey to those who are unscrupulous and dishonest. Sometimes these people take advantage of older individuals, especially those who are trusting. Every year, thousands of elderly nursing home patients are neglected or abused while being cared for in a facility.

Types of Nursing Home Abuse

There are a number of different ways that nursing home abuse may occur. Abuse generally falls into one of several categories including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Patients may be ignored or the improper supervision is rendered. Caregivers may be verbally abuse by yelling at patients, calling them names, or refusing to speak to them. Financial abuse can occur when someone takes advantage of the elderly resident by stealing from them.

Financial Abuse

One of the most common occurrences of financial abuse in nursing homes happens when a trusted caregiver takes money from the resident. This can happen in a number of different ways. For example, the caregiver may be asked to pay the resident’s bills and has access to the person’s bank account or checks. They may take an amount of money on a regular basis. Although the amount they take each time is low, the total adds up over time. Another way that abuse may happen is by someone directly taking money from the person’s wallet, purse, or dresser. Other items of value such as jewelry or watches, may also be stolen.

Reporting Financial Abuse

Many times, financial abuse goes unnoticed and unreported. All too often, the nursing home resident is unaware of the theft or is not physically or mentally capable of telling anyone about it. Other times, people are tricked into believing that they actually authorized payments to the thief. For these reasons, relatives should be aware of their loved one’s financial situation and need to oversee their finances. If a discrepancy is found, the incident needs to be reported immediately, both to the police as well as to the facility management.

Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit

When nursing home abuse occurs, the nursing home and its staff are responsible. The victim and his family may be able to seek compensation for the theft. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney will assist in the process and will help to investigate the situation and gather the necessary documentation that proves the abuse. Financial abuse may also be criminally prosecuted.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.