When families trust a nursing home with their loved one’s care, they expect compassion, safety, competence, and honesty. Unfortunately, financial abuse is one of the most overlooked forms of elder abuse and mistreatment, and it’s often harder to detect than physical neglect.
Families in Georgia should stay vigilant for subtle warning signs that may indicate financial exploitation or theft within a nursing home. Our nursing home abuse attorneys share what to look for and what steps can protect your loved one’s financial security.
What Makes Financial Abuse So Difficult to Detect
Unlike bruises or bedsores, the signs of financial abuse often appear over time. A missing checkbook, unexplained bank withdrawals, or a sudden change to a will might not seem alarming on their own, but together, they can signal that someone is taking advantage of your loved one’s trust.
Staff members, outside caregivers, or even visitors may exploit residents, particularly those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Some may steal personal belongings, forge signatures, or manipulate residents into giving them access to accounts or property.
Common Warning Signs of Financial Exploitation
Families should be especially cautious if their loved one experiences any of the following changes:
- Unexplained withdrawals or transfers from bank accounts
- Missing cash, jewelry, or other valuables
- Changes to wills, trusts, or powers of attorney that your loved one doesn’t recall making
- Bills going unpaid despite available funds
- New friends or staff members taking an unusual interest in finances
- Anxiety or confusion when discussing money or financial topics
If you notice any of these warning signs, act quickly. Collect financial records, document missing items, and contact facility management for written explanations. In many cases, these details can become critical evidence.
Why Financial Abuse Causes Lasting Harm
Financial exploitation doesn’t just empty bank accounts; it can leave seniors without the resources they need for proper care, medication, or daily support. Victims often feel ashamed or afraid to report what happened, especially if the abuser is someone they rely on.
Sadly, about one in ten seniors who experience financial abuse end up relying on low-income government programs, which limits both the quality and choice of their care. Even more alarming, experts estimate that only one in 44 incidents is reported. For those with special needs, such as dementia patients or individuals with chronic health conditions, this loss of financial stability can have devastating consequences.
Without timely intervention, families may not realize the full extent of the losses until it’s too late to recover them.
How to Protect Your Loved One Against Financial Abuse
Financial abuse thrives in secrecy, but consistent involvement and oversight can help stop it before it escalates. According to research from the Keck School of Medicine, financial abuse is the most commonly reported type of elder mistreatment, with 55% of cases involving some form of exploitation.
Loved ones and caregivers can reduce the risk by taking these steps:
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Review bank statements, credit card charges, and withdrawals regularly for unusual or unexplained activity.
- Keep Track of Valuables and Documents: Maintain a list of jewelry, cash, and important paperwork so you notice if something goes missing.
- Review Legal and Estate Papers: Check that wills, trusts, and powers of attorney reflect your loved one’s true wishes and discuss any changes with an attorney.
- Visit Often: Stop by unannounced at different times to see how staff interact with your loved one and confirm they aren’t being pressured or isolated.
If you suspect any form of financial exploitation, do not confront the suspected abuser directly. Instead, report your concerns to Georgia’s Adult Protective Services and seek immediate legal guidance from a qualified Georgia nursing home abuse attorney.
When there are signs of physical, emotional, or neglect-related abuse, take the next step by filing a formal complaint with the Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD) to prompt an official investigation.
Consult Georgia Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys You Can Trust
Under Georgia law, nursing homes have a fiduciary duty to safeguard residents’ property and assets, and failing to prevent or report financial exploitation can amount to actionable negligence.
At Prieto, Marigliano & Prieto, LLC, our nursing home abuse attorneys understand how devastating it is to discover that someone has taken advantage of your loved one’s trust. We investigate financial exploitation, physical neglect, and other forms of abuse to hold negligent facilities and bad actors accountable.
Our compassionate, results-driven attorneys know what signs to look for, how to prove negligence and exploitation, and what it takes to build a strong case against nursing homes that violate their duty of care.
If you believe your loved one’s finances or safety are being compromised, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help protect your family’s rights.