Financial Abuse in the Nursing Home

Although many people will associate nursing home abuse with physical or mental abuse, a third type of abuse is also very common. This is financial abuse, and sadly it occurs more than you might think. If you believe your elderly loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, please call the nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia.

Forms of Financial Elder Abuse

The types of financial elder abuse that the nursing home abuse lawyers in Philadelphia, from Wieand Law Firm, LLC, have handled:

• Charging the victim for services they never received
• Coercing the victim into transferring assets or property to someone else
• Denying the victim access to financial assets, like their bank accounts or credit cards
• Forging the victim’s signature to sell or obtain property
• Giving the victim a generic brand of a medication, but charging for the more expensive brand name
• Setting up credit card accounts in the victim’s name without permission
• Stealing the victim’s money to pay someone else’s pay bills
• Stealing the victim’s cash
• Taking the victim’s debit card for personal use
• Using the victim’s money or other assets without permission
• Using deception or coercion to make the victim sign over power of attorney to someone

Although some financial abuse may be committed by nursing home employees, most elder financial abuse is committed by the victim’s own family. This can include spouses, children, grandchildren, or other extended family. You might wonder why someone would steal from their own family member? As a nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia, we know of  the following reasons why this might occur:

• The guilty party has financial problems and is using the victim’s assets for these issues.
• The guilty party is using the victim’s assets to pay for gambling or a substance abuse problem
• The guilty party will inherit the money and feel they are only taking what they think they are entitled to.
• The guilty party is trying to prevent other family members from obtaining any of the victim’s assets.

What Are the Signs that Someone Is Being Victimized?

The following are indicators that your elderly loved one is a victim of financial abuse. If you see any of these signs, contact the authorities immediately. You should also contact the nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia as well.

•       The victim’s bills are not getting paid.
•       There are transfers and withdrawal from bank accounts that the victim cannot explain.
•       The victim claims they have a new “ friend.”
•       The victim is receiving care that is more expensive that they can afford
•       The victim has lost assets or property
•       The victim has no idea of any changes to financial arrangements, such as power of attorney and wills.
•       There is one person who has cashed multiple checks from the victim’s account.
•       The victim is being charged for medical care they never received.
•       There are ATM withdrawals from the victim’s account even though they are bedridden at the nursing home.
•       The victim has cancelled checks that have been marked as gifts or loans
•       Some of the victim’s bank accounts have been closed.
•       The victim is depressed.

If you or a loved one has been financially exploited, and a nursing home may be responsible, please do not delay in calling the nursing home abuse attorney in Philadelphia. 

Filing a Nursing Home Claim or Lawsuit

Nursing homes have extensive legal resources to help minimize awards to the victims of nursing home abuse. It’s important that you have the backing of the nursing home attorney in Philadelphia to seek fair compensation for the emotional and physical injuries caused by nursing home abuse. The Wieand Law Firm, LLC will take the time to listen to you individual situation and provide that skilled advice you need to take action again nursing home abuse.  

To speak with a nursing home abuse attorney at the Wieand Law Firm, LLC call us today at 215-666-7777 to receive a free, no obligation consultation.

Disclaimer:  This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.