Yorba Linda Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Financial abuse and exploitation in nursing homes are sad realities, which many of our seniors face. Financial abuse is a form of elder abuse, which amounts to criminal fraud. This type of abuse could occur even in the most reputed nursing homes. If your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, it is important that you contact an experienced Yorba Linda nursing home lawyer to better understand your legal rights and options.

For immediate assitance, please call 949-203-3814.

Nursing Home Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation is when someone uses the property or money of another with the intent to defraud that individual or wrongfully use his or her funds. Elderly patients in nursing homes are asked to trust their care providers to provide them with adequate care and treatment. Seniors who are in the care of a nursing home are often vulnerable. Their financial information such as bank account numbers or credit car numbers or even passwords may become compromised in such an environment.

Examples of Financial Abuse

There are many forms of nursing home financial abuse and many ways in which an elderly resident may be exploited. Common examples of financial abuse that can occur in a nursing home include:

• Forging a senior's signature for financial gain
• Cashing a resident's check without authorization
• Theft of money or possessions from the victim's room
• Deceiving an elderly person into signing a will, contract or other document
• Tricking residents to invest in a fraudulent scheme

Financial Abuse Facts

According to a study by The National Center on Elder Abuse, between one and two million Americans aged 65 or older have been exploited, injured or have been otherwise mistreated by someone they depend on for care. Current estimates put the overall reporting of financial exploitation at only 1 in 25 cases, suggesting that there may be at least 5 million financial abuse victims each year. A study by The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study found that for every one case of exploitation, elder abuse, neglect or self-neglect reported to authorities, about five more go unreported. Therefore, it is hard to understand just how significant an issue financial abuse is in nursing homes, but it is clearly a problem that needs to be taken seriously.

How Financial Abuse Occurs

Patients can be financially exploited by their care providers, the nursing home, the administrators, visitors to the building or even their fellow residents. Some cases involve theft from someone who is vulnerable or incapacitated while others involve fraud and trickery. It is common for the elderly in these types of situations to be subjected to threats, lies, manipulation, intimidation and deception. Sadly, many people see someone's vulnerability as an opportunity for financial gain.

Signs of Financial Exploitation

Unfortunately, unless you are keeping a vigilant and watchful eye over your loved one's finances, it may be difficult to notice financial abuse when it happens. When you visit the facility, make sure to take stock of the valuable possessions in the room. It may also be in your best interest to take the time to meet and speak with the workers who care for your loved one. Also, make sure to talk to your loved one about their daily activities and interactions. Opening up communication is sometimes the only way to become aware of potential wrongdoing. Sudden changes in your loved one's finances such as a modified will or suspicious credit card activity should be taken seriously and reported immediately.

The skilled Yorba Linda nursing home lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help review the circumstances of your situation to help you determine if wrongdoing has occurred. In some cases, in addition to criminal prosecution, civil remedies may be available.

If the nursing home was negligent in terms of supervision, they can also be held liable for the victim's losses. If your loved one has suffered financial abuse in a Yorba Linda nursing home, please call us at 949-203-3814 for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation or fill out the online form.