Who is Most at Risk of Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Financial abuse in nursing homes occurs when a resident is financially exploited, usually by a staff member in the facility. This type of abuse is particularly egregious and can deplete the life savings a resident has worked so hard to build. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important to determine if they are at risk, and to understand how to spot the signs of financial abuse.
What is Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes?
Financial abuse in nursing homes occurs when money, property, or other valuable items are taken from a resident. As people get older, they often need others to help them manage their finances. This is particularly true when a resident is suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. Sadly, residents may place their trust in someone who does not have their best interests at heart. Financial abuse takes many forms, including:
- Stealing a resident’s property
- Gaining control of a resident’s power of attorney
- Using the cash or credit cards of a resident
Due to the fact that victims are not physically impacted by financial abuse, it can be much more difficult to identify when it is happening. In some cases, financial abuse happens for a number of years before it is actually spotted.
Which Nursing Home Residents are Most at Risk of Financial Abuse?
While any nursing home resident can be the victim of financial abuse, there are some who are more at risk than others. These individuals are as follows:
- Isolated residents: Residents who do not have a strong support network are more likely to become victims of financial abuse. This type of abuse is far more likely to continue for a long time when friends and family members do not check in with residents.
- Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia: Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia impact a resident’s ability to think clearly, make decisions, and care for themselves. Due to the fact that these residents may not be able to identify when abuse is occurring, they are more at risk of becoming a victim of it.
- Residents with a ‘new best friend’: Nursing home residents are often lonely, particularly if they do not have a spouse, friends, or family who live close by. People with dishonorable intentions may attempt to befriend these residents and steal from them. It is very important for friends and family members to look out for new friendships, particularly when residents become very close with someone very quickly.
Our Financial Abuse Attorney in Tampa Can Help Your Family
If you have a loved one in a nursing home and you believe they are being taken advantage of, our Tampa financial abuse attorney can help. At Kohn Law, our seasoned attorney is dedicated to helping victims of nursing home abuse and we can put that expertise to help your family, too. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or chat with us online to schedule a free review of your case and to get more information.
Source:
justice.gov/elderjustice/prosecutors/statutes?field_statute_state=FL&field_statute_category=All
