Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some United States citizens received stimulus checks to supplement potential lost income due to layoffs. Your loved one in a nursing home may have also received this payment. However, the IRS stated in mid-June 2020 that these economic impact payments belong to the recipients, not the nursing home.
In the statement, the IRS says that some nursing home facilities seized payments from residents who are on Medicaid. It is important to note that stimulus payments do not count as a resource or income to determine Medicaid eligibility. Additionally, receiving a stimulus payment does not affect a resident’s monthly payment—also known as “patient pay amount” or “share of cost”—and they can use that money on whatever they want.
If your loved one claims that their nursing home seized their stimulus checks, contact Dalli & Marino, LLP. We can investigate your claim and look for further evidence of financial abuse toward your loved one.
Identifying Risk Factors for Financial Abuse in Nursing Homes
Financial abuse targeting nursing home residents happens over time, making it one of the most challenging crimes to detect. However, if your loved one is accusing the staff of taking their COVID stimulus checks, this might not be the first time a staff member took financial advantage of them. Furthermore, nursing home residents are more susceptible to financial abuse because they may have less access and comprehension of banking technology. They may also not have the ability to check their savings account regularly, have access to their mail before others, or rely on nursing staff to assist them.
Some common examples of financial abuse in nursing homes include:
- Forging residents’ signature
- Cashing residents’ checks without authorization
- Stealing money or valuable personal items
- Using a resident’s bank card or checks
Remember, nursing home staff members are not the only ones who may be responsible for financial abuse. Other residents may take advantage of your loved one, as well. If you believe that your loved one is the victim, have a conversation with them. It might be beneficial to remove them from home first, though. That way, they may be more honest with you about the situation.
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Being Abused in a Nursing Home
It is understandable to be upset if you believe your loved one is being neglected or abused in a nursing home. We put our parents and loved ones in these facilities to receive the care they deserve, and it is disheartening to learn that staff and other residents might not be treating them well. However, before you make any rash decision, speak to your loved one. As we age, our memories are not as clear as we think they are, and the situation might be a misunderstanding. You can also speak with the facility’s manager, who may have input on the situation. Then, if you still believe that they are being neglected or abused, remove them from the nursing home and find a new one.
Contacting a nursing home abuse attorney in New York may also be beneficial. They can investigate the accusation, gather evidence, and talk to witnesses.
Contact the Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys at Dalli & Marino Today
If you believe that nursing home staff members or other residents financially abuse your loved one, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Dalli & Marino. It is unfortunate that not all nursing homes or staff members have the best interests of their residents. However, our nursing home abuse attorneys are here to help.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for our victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We build strong relationships with our clients through trust and communication to understand the situation and their needs. Call (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today to learn more about how we can help you and your loved one.
