Are In-Home Caregivers Safer for My Elderly Loved One than Nursing Homes?

No matter what type of care you choose for your loved one, you need do your homework to select the safest option, and you must remain vigilant during the entire time he or she is receiving care. It may be easier to monitor home health care workers to protect your loved ones from abuse. However, home caregivers have greater access to all items in the home, increasing their opportunity to financially exploit your loved one without your knowledge. If you believe someone is subjecting an in-home patient to theft or other financial schemes, experienced Las Vegas elder care lawyer can help you investigate the situation, and take legal action when needed.

No uniform state reporting system provides precise statistics on elder abuse and exploitation. However, the most recent Fact Sheet issued by the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) estimates that at least 5 million elders face financial abuse each year. That number can be much higher, since the NCEA estimates that only about one case in six is reported to authorities. Financial exploitation can involve the theft of items from the elderly, but it can include schemes that are more devious as well — such as convincing patients to change their financial accounts, or even their wills.

Keep in mind that home caregivers may be third parties hired by the family, but they are often relatives who volunteer to care for their elderly family members. In fact, in some cases, well-intended relatives facing the stress of providing 24-hour care may eventually attempt to compensate themselves, believing they have a right to do so. This is one reason why it is important to seek support from elder care attorneys in Las Vegas who have the experience to address these issues with sensitivity, as well as legal skill.

The attorneys at the law firm of Tyrell Law, PLLC conduct thorough investigations to obtain evidence needed to take legal action. We understand that you may not want to levy formal charges, particularly against a family member, so we present a variety of options to protect the assets of your elderly loved ones. Contact us to learn how we can help you.