Some Nursing Home Residents May Be at Risk of Elder Financial Abuse

 Posted on June 23, 2020 in Nursing Home Abuse

When you hear the term “nursing home abuse,” you may assume that the term abuse is referring to physical violence aimed at elderly and disabled nursing home residents. Sadly, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse of vulnerable nursing home residents is a major problem in Illinois and throughout the United States. One type of abuse you may not have heard as much about is financial abuse. Financial exploitation of elderly and disabled individuals in a nursing home not only results in economic losses, it can also cause a great deal of personal suffering for the victim and his or her family.

Examples of Financial Exploitation

Most nursing home residents have physical disabilities or cognitive disabilities like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that make them dependent on nursing home staff. Many need a substantial amount of assistance with daily living tasks like toileting and eating as well as help with medication and other healthcare needs. Tragically, sometimes the individuals that residents trust the most to care for them are the ones who take advantage of their vulnerability. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) states that financial abuse is one of the most widespread forms of elder abuse. It is estimated that one out of every five elderly people has been a victim of elder financial exploitation. Some of the most common forms of elder financial abuse include:

• Stealing residents’ cash or property
• Tricking residents into signing financial or estate planning documents
• Coercing residents into turning over cash or personal checks
• Stealing a resident’s identity for financial gain
• Conning residents through the use of pyramid schemes and other scams
• Using threats or intimidation to force residents into financial transactions

Holding Negligent Nursing Homes Accountable

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, as well as federal legislation, protects nursing home residents from mistreatment and abuse. One of the rights protected by the Nursing Home Care Act is the right of residents to manage their own financial affairs. Even if a nursing home has the authorization to manage a resident’s money on his or her behalf, they must do so ethically and within the boundaries of the law. The act also gives residents the right to have access to their own personal property. If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of financial exploitation, do not hesitate to take action. Contact an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to learn about your legal options for holding the nursing home facility accountable for its wrongful and negligent actions.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home financial exploitation, neglect, or abuse, contact Schwartz Injury Law for help. You and/or your loved one may be entitled to compensation. Call our office at 312-535-4625 today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Cook County elder abuse lawyer.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225

https://www.foxnews.com/health/as-u-s-population-ages-more-elders-are-subject-to-physical-sexual-and-financial-abuse