Financial Exploitation of Nursing Home Residents

Elderly adults are especially vulnerable to abuse, including financial exploitation.  Financial abuse can be caused by a family member, friend, relative or even a nursing home employee.  These abusers are able to manipulate elderly adults through the use of intimidation, coercion or trickery.

Why don’t the victims of financial abuse tell someone?  Unfortunately, it is common for an abused elderly adult to not speak up about the financial abuse and there are many explanations for this behavior.  For instance, in the case of financial abuse at a nursing home, the resident may be too afraid of what the abuser might do if they reported him or her to the authorities.  They could also fear that they will be evicted from the nursing home if they report financial abuse at the facility.  There are cases where elderly adults are confused and/or unaware that they are being abused financially.

If you have a loved one living in a nursing home or other facility, you need to know what signs to look out for that would indicate financial abuse.  For example, if there is unusual financial activity, revisions to financial documents or missing valuables, your family member may be a victim of financial abuse.  Also, if you notice that your family member is missing money, but cannot explain where it was spent, that could also be an indication of financial exploitation.

In the case of financial abuse in a nursing home, you need to consult with an experienced Virginia nursing home abuse lawyer right away.  If you believe that your loved one could be in danger, you should also contact the local police department.  A nursing home can be liable for financial abuse of residents.  Call Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. at (757) 622-7740 or (800) 690-0235 for advice regarding your nursing home abuse case.

The article, Financial Abuse at Nursing Homes, has more information on this subject.