If an elderly loved one has suffered financial losses in their Philadelphia nursing home, it is your right to report such crimes of theft and abuse. We can help in your claim to recover losses from the liable party or parties. A Philadelphia missing money or personal items lawyer believes no elder should suffer from any form of abuse.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 842-6336 for a free case evaluation.
Financial Abuse Can Be Common in Nursing Homes
Financial exploitation is a common form of elder abuse that can deprive residents of their financial rights. It is prevalent in nursing home facilities in which different kinds of perpetrators can access a resident’s financial resources. These perpetrators may include nursing home staff, caregivers, visitors, or other residents.
Depending on the motive of the offender, financial exploitation may come in different forms that include:
- Taking money or items in the resident’s room without permission
- Permitted use of the resident’s credit card or checkbooks in a way that involves misuse, overuse, or abuse
- Identity, credit card, or checkbook theft
- Undue influence
- Threatening or deceiving the resident into a forced transfer of funds or assets
Signs of Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes
Although financial exploitation is prevalent, it is, unfortunately, the case with the least recognition, reporting, investigation, and prosecution. Hence, it might be difficult to determine whether or not your loved one has been financially abused. If something does not feel quite right, it is possible that wrongdoing may be present.
Clues of financial abuse could be found in their room or by mere observation of their behavior and environment. Signs can include:
- Secretive behaviors such as the hiding of papers
- Sudden disappearance or replacement of personal items or possessions in the resident’s room
- Missing credit cards, checkbooks, and cash
- High credit balance
- Billing issues such as due and unpaid bills
- Lack of personal possessions and basic items due to reduced spending habits
- Missing medications
- Lower bank account balances
A resident might feel hesitant or refuse to report abuse due to the potential threat of physical abuse. It is important that you act immediately to resolve this situation.
For a free legal consultation with a Philadelphia Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer serving Philadelphia, call (800) 794-0444
Stop Nursing Home Financial Abuse in Philadelphia
If a loved one has suffered from financial exploitation, you can take immediate actions to address the situation. The National Consumer Voice has identified four steps to help prevent, detect, and report financial exploitation of a loved one that includes:
- Knowing the rights of your loved one
- Creating a plan to handle their finances
- Reviewing the financial information of the resident
- Reporting financial abuse to a higher authority or the nursing home administration
It is a crime to financially exploit someone, let alone a resident of a nursing home. You can connect with a Philadelphia Missing money or personal items lawyer for advice on your legal options. Your lawyer can help you pursue legal channels for recovery for damages that include:
- Preventing the ongoing abuse
- Protecting the best interests of the resident and against further abuse or past threats
- Assisting in claims for financial recovery
- Maintaining the rights of the resident
- Demanding liability from the offender and nursing home for the loss of personal property
It is you and your family’s right to file a case for compensation of lost funds or property. Immediate action is encouraged to prevent the loss of opportunity to recover damages regarding the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania.
The timeframe can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the type of claim you will pursue. A Philadelphia missing money or personal items lawyer can help guide you throughout the legal process.
Philadelphia Philadelphia Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Risks of Financial Exploitation to Elders
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), financial exploitation in nursing homes is a 21st-century crime. It involves a complex case of abuse in which older Americans lost a total of approximately $2.6 billion in 2020.
These events can lead to risks that the resident may suffer due to theft of funds or property. Some risks of financial abuse can include:
- Discharge from the nursing home facility due to unpaid bills
- Reduced medications
- Loss of liberty or freedom
- Deprivation of happiness and comfort
- Personal bankruptcy leading to a lack of health maintenance
In addition, these risks can also lead to added suffering for the resident. Many elderly experience shorter lifespans due to continuous worry and stress.
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Possible Effects of the Risks Involved in Financial Abuse
The risks involved in financial abuse to elders does not only involve the loss of finances. It can also expose residents to emotional vulnerability and health complications. Health effects of financial abuse can include:
- Severe psychological or emotional distress
- Depression
- Shortened lifespan
- Reduced physical health
- Pain and suffering
However, these effects can only arise if a nursing home fails to establish caution and protection of its residents’ personal property. Hence, the facility may also be in question regarding its operations if your loved one has experienced missing money or personal items while a resident of a nursing home.
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Know the Rights of a Nursing Home Resident
Residents have rights in a nursing home. Violation of these rights may indicate abuse that can be used to establish liability against the offender. The rights of nursing home residents include:
- Access to all personal or financial records
- Freedom to manage finances
- Right to the charges involved in available services and each service
- Freedom to report abuse without fear or threat of retaliation
Work with a Philadelphia Missing Money or Personal Items Lawyer
If you or a loved one has experienced the loss of money or personal items while in the care of a nursing home, you may be entitled to recover damages. A Philadelphia missing money or personal items lawyer can help you pursue legal action. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 842-6336 for a free case evaluation.
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