When you make the decision to place a loved one in a New Mexico nursing home, it is likely you invested a significant amount of time into researching the right facility. This is not an easy choice, even when you feel confident in the facility and know it is best for your family member to have long-term care. It takes a tremendous amount of trust to put someone you love in the care of another person.
It can be devastating to learn that the nursing home you trusted with the care of your loved one failed you. Nursing home abuse comes in many different forms, and they are not always tangible. For example, your loved one may experience financial exploitation. It’s easy to miss the signs of financial abuse, and it’s wise to know what to look for and what to do in case there is a problem.
What Is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse or exploitation includes anything that illegally or improperly uses the financial resources of another person. In cases involving nursing home residents, this often happens when the person in charge of billing or someone with access to sensitive information uses it for personal gain. It can also happen when a caretaker financially manipulates a nursing home resident, convincing him or her to give money or access to accounts.
Unfortunately, people often don’t catch financial exploitation right away. This is why it is especially important to remain vigilant and check your loved one’s finances regularly. It also helps to know the financial rights of nursing home residents, which include:
- Residents or their representatives have the right to access financial records within 24 hours of their request.
- Residents or their representatives have the right to manage their financial lives independently.
- Residents or representatives have the right to know details of all charges, and they can file a complaint without fearing any type of retaliation.
If your loved one’s nursing home violated these rights or you believe that financial exploitation is happening, you may have grounds to pursue legal action on behalf of your loved one.
A Beneficial Outcome
Your loved one does not have to suffer in silence, and you do not have to navigate this complex situation on your own. It is helpful to work with an experienced attorney who understands the law and knows how to protect the rights and interests of the most vulnerable.