1-800-HOMECARE Comments on Recent Nursing Home Theft That Strikes Seniors and Families
(PRWEB) November 12, 2013 -- 1-800 HOMECARE comments on the woman who stole from seniors in a nursing home and nursing home theft remains at a high. Elder care professionals with 1-800-HOMECARE say seniors and their families should take steps to protect themselves.
Lee Martin was the sole staff member in charge of resident trust fund accounts at Vicksburg Convalescent Center and drained funds from 83 seniors, according to an investigation by USA Today (10.16.2013). She pleaded guilty and could serve up to 15 years in prison paying the money back.
But the same investigation found 1,500 other recent cases of nursing homes cited for mishandling funds. 1-800-Home Care, a free elder home care resource website, says that there are likely many more cases that go unreported or even undetected.
“Many nursing homes have one office manager in charge of all the accounts,” said a spokesperson for the website. “That means there's very little internal oversight unless they take special measures.”
Money siphoned out in such scams could be claimed as a residential expense. It could simply go unaccounted for long-term. Worse, the money cannot always be recovered.
“Nursing homes are required to carry insurance that protects you from fraud or theft,” he said. “But in large fraud cases the insurance may not cover it all. The money could be gone forever.”
About 1-800-HOMECARE:
1-800-HOMECARE is a free home care resource. Created by home care professionals for home care professionals, 1-800-HOMECARE offers up-to-date information to help patients find appropriate in-home care and to provide advice, support and assistance to home care providers. They can be contacted at
1800HomeCare.com
49 Marble Avenue
Suite 2
Pleasantville, NY 10570
John Borley, 1-800-Homecare, http://www.1800homecare.com/, 914-200-0020, [email protected]
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