When we think of nursing home abuse, it usually brings up images of untreated bed sores, verbal abuse and neglect. Often, people don’t realize that their elderly loved ones are also vulnerable to financial abuse.
The National Center for Elder Abuse has provided this handy guide to preventing nursing home financial abuse. If you suspect that you or your loved one may be a victim, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny today.
What is financial abuse and exploitation?
Financial abuse and exploitation is defined as improperly or illegally using an individual’s money, property or assets. Facility caregivers, staff and administration can all perpetrate financial abuse, as well as an elderly person’s relatives and friends.
Financial abuse might look like:
- Unexplained financial transfers to another individual
- Living conditions beneath a person’s resources
- Sudden changes to wills, trust documents and powers of attorney
- Checks written to caregivers (not the nursing home itself)
- Missing personal belongings
- Forged signatures
- Unusual, newly authorized bank or credit card users
- Sudden changes to funds and accounts, including unusual withdrawals
- Demands for gifts from nursing home caregivers or staff
- Patient refuses to talk about money or finances, even with trusted relatives
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your loved one about their financial situation. Are they able to explain where the money went, or why a new person is on their account? Do they seem to understand their financial standing? These questions may reveal whether your loved one is being abused or exploited.
What to do when you suspect financial abuse and exploitation
Nursing homes have a duty to protect their patients physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. When your loved one is showing signs of financial abuse and exploitation, it’s important to get help fast. Unethical nursing home administration and caregivers may not stop at financial abuse. Keep an eye out for other signs of nursing home abuse, neglect and exploitation.
First, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny, especially if you suspect your relative may be a victim of other types of nursing home abuse and neglect. Our team will help you decide whether to report the abuse to local authorities, and/or seek financial compensation through a nursing home abuse lawsuit. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to advocate for your loved one in several ways.
Talk to an Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your nursing home abuse case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
