How to Deal with Nursing Home Theft

Many seniors have to spend their final years in a nursing home due to chronic illnesses. Tending to their needs at home becomes difficult or impossible, which is why professional care is recommended. Children may not have the time and skill to take care of their elders, thus sending to them to a dedicated facility seems like a feasible option. The trained staff at nursing homes make sure elder people are provided with all means to make them feel comfortable. Sending a loved one away to a nursing home is often a hard decision, though it is usually inevitable. Bringing personal belongings helps seniors cope better and feel at home in the new environment.

Unfortunately, individuals among the nursing home staff can attempt to steal valuable items from elderly patients. Your loved ones may experience mental and physical distress if something important of theirs goes missing. Some possessions, despite being of low economic value, may be treasured because of their usefulness or emotional attachment. Nurses or residents employed at the institution are likely to keep an eye on jewelry items and expensive clothes that can be sold for some quick cash. However, theft of ordinary objects in daily use, as well as medical equipment is not surprising either. Many elderly complain about things like reading glasses, hearing aids, and dentures being taken away.

If your loved one claims that someone stole their stuff, do not ignore the matter, regardless of the item’s fiscal worth. You can start by searching around the room to make sure that the thing they speak of is not misplaced within their room or living space. If you are positive that the particular item was in their possession and suspiciously disappeared, do not hesitate to report the theft to the nursing home’s administration. Your loved one may have an idea about the thief’s identity, yet it is not always helpful to jump to conclusions.

Many elderly patients are victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. Theft can also be considered a type of abuse, or fraud if it involves a substantial amount of money. Wardens take advantage of the patient’s poor health condition and mental state by pinching possessions. While most of them do it for making small money, others might simply take away things to cause discomfort or annoyance. If you notice any signs of physical or mental abuse, this could a case of medical malpractice. The organization to whom you entrusted your loved one is obligated to compensate for any damages instigated under their care.

Determining fault or pinpointing the perpetrator is rarely straightforward and easy. The person you accuse may bluntly deny the facts and blame someone else. Sometimes, multiple workers are involved in robbing patients, so they will try to distract you. Too many suspects and no tangible evidence can make it nearly impossible to hold the nursing home liable. If your loved one suffers from a mental disorder like amnesia, dementia, or Alzheimer’s, the accusation could very well be a misunderstanding. On the other hand, patients with memory loss issues are the most frequent targets for obvious reasons. Whatever the case, Elder Law Attorney Clarkson, MI, can help you determine the suitable course of action.

John Adams writes about travel and best for He encourages his readers to improve their quality of life by incorporating positive and good things. As he loves to share his insight about life experiences, he has contribute on various online platform in