How to protect pensions from nursing homes

On Behalf of | Nov 22, 2021 | Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect |

The reputations of all nursing homes have declined steadily over the years. Fewer people are able to trust the nursing staff and see these facilities as unsafe places for elderly people to live. Residents and their families in North Carolina are worried about financial thieves that are targeting seniors. There are several ways to protect a senior’s pension at a nursing home.

Suggest a power of attorney

Suggest that a senior obtain a power of attorney (POA) in which a trusted family member, friend or legal representative will act on his or her behalf. This includes making minor to very important financial decisions that are outlined in a power of attorney document. This step can be taken long before the elderly person moves into a nursing home.

Increase training

The staff is the first line of defense against nursing home abuse. The manager of the nursing home staff should train their employees on how to identify signs of identity theft and elderly fraud. They should receive instructions on how and when to report any suspicion of fraud and learn the consequences if they fail to act.

Install security measures

The nursing home manager should install physical safeguards against intruders, such as door locks and security alarms, and restrict access to the clients’ private rooms. Many homes have physical barriers at the front door and require regular guests to wear nametags.

Identity thieves are targeting elderly homes

Despite the high level of security at nursing homes, a resident’s personal assets are not fully protected from thieves. Financial thieves have made elderly people their prime targets. The senior’s pension plan contains his or her lifelong retirement funds that are never easy to replace if stolen. Nursing home staff must consider the options available to protect the finances of their residents.