5 Signs of Financial Exploitation of a Nursing Home Resident
The elderly population tends to have far more assets and liquid finances than younger people simply because many have accrued decades’ worth of savings. Unfortunately, cognitive decline is a natural part of aging, which makes senior citizens prime targets for scammers and con-artists. Financial exploitation of nursing home residents is far more common than many people realize, and it often goes unnoticed and unreported.
Nursing homes have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the caregivers they hire do not pose a threat to residents at the facility. When a nursing home fails to perform adequate background checks, they may end up hiring a caregiver who has a history of stealing, gambling, or drug addiction.
If a caregiver has been taking advantage of your loved one for financial gain, your family may have grounds for a nursing home abuse claim. The signs of financial exploitation can be subtle, but often include one or more of the following:
- Changes to Your Loved One’s Will, Life Insurance, or Property Titles: If any new beneficiaries have been added to your family member’s will or life insurance, or if a property title has been transferred to someone outside of your family, this may indicate that financial abuse is taking place.
- Changes in Power of Attorney: Power of attorney gives one person the authority to act for another person in specified or all financial and legal matters. If a caregiver has assumed power of attorney, they may have the authority to transfer your loved one’s assets into their name or take advantage of your family member’s finances in other ways.
- Unexplained Withdrawals from Your Family Member’s Bank Account: If financial statements show unexplained withdrawals, it may be the case that the money is being taken out by a nursing home caregiver without your loved one’s knowledge.
- Valuables Have Gone Missing: If your family member complains about valuable items going missing from their room, it might indicate that theft is taking place.
- Not Being Able to Meet with Your Loved One in Private: When a caregiver is abusing or neglecting a resident, they might insist on chaperoning all interactions between that resident and their visitors. If you haven’t been able to meet with your loved one in private, it might be a sign that abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation is happening.
Discuss Your Situation with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Florida
If you suspect that a nursing home caregiver is taking advantage of a member of your family, contact Emerson Straw. Our lawyers are well-versed in the statutes and case law pertaining to financial exploitation in long-term care facilities. We know the kinds of evidence needed to prevail in these cases, and we will do everything in our power to help you pursue justice and the highest possible compensation. To speak with a member of our team in a free consultation, contact us today by calling (727) 821-1500 or sending us a message.