ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER
Charged With Chronic Neglect Leading To Death
Thousands Reportedly Stolen From Deceased’s Bank Account
Elderly Victim Incapable Of Self-Care
Neglect and financial elder abuse of isolated, dependent seniors by dishonest in-home caregivers often go hand in hand inflicting horrible injury on the victim in some cases leading to death. Where dishonest caregivers are after a patient’s money, property or home, actually caring for that elder means little to the caregiver. In fact, the neglect may be intentional where the dishonest caregiver is trying to hasten their victim’s death. If, for example, the caregiver has been able to arrange for changes in a patient’s estate plans a senior’s untimely death will benefit the caregiver. Or, the caregiver may be taking money needed to pay rent, utilities, medical care or other bills of the victim’s and eviction or lack of services can lead to an early death for the victimized senior. Any form of financial elder abuse (and assisting any financial elder abuse) and certain forms of neglect are crimes and grounds for civil liability of the abuser. California Penal Code § 368 and Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.30 (definition of financial elder abuse); Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15610.57 (definition of neglect). In a recently reported caregiver arrest, discussed below, three caregivers have been arrested on charges of homicide, neglect and financial elder abuse of an elderly woman, the neglect leading to her death. If you or a loved one is a victim of financial elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect in San Francisco or elsewhere in California call us today at (415)441-8669. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
Caregivers Arrested For Neglect And Financial Elder Abuse
In a recently reported case,[1] three caregivers of an elderly woman have been arrested for financial elder abuse of the woman and neglect leading to her death. Police say the elderly 84-year-old woman was physically and mentally incapable of self-care and that the three caregivers were her in-home caregiving team. She was found dead in her home. A pathologist ruled the victim died of complications from chronic neglect, and the death was classified as a homicide, according to the arrest warrant. In addition, one of the caregivers is accused of using the victim’s bank account to fraudulently gain money and convert it for her own use in excess of $10,000 during the first six months of this year. She is also accused of making more than $1000 in unauthorized charges on the victim’s credit card.
Protecting Senior Loved Ones
This kind of deplorable neglect and abuse of a senior or dependent adult can really only be prevented if family, loved ones, and neighbors stay involved in the elder’s or disabled person’s life. If a loved one or friend is under the care of an in-home caregiver, visit often and look for any signs of neglect or abuse such as bruises, pressure wounds/bed sores, scratch marks, weight loss, or behavioral changes that might suggest they are being abused, neglect, or overmedicated. Monitor all financial accounts of the older person and pay special attention to where their monthly Social Security or pension benefits are being deposited. Never ever allow the senior to give a caregiver or nursing home staff member a Power of Attorney. If you suspect abuse, call elder law counsel to help you pursue all available remedies against anyone responsible for abuse, including an award of attorneys’ fees and costs for bringing your suit under Cal. Welf. & Inst. Code § 15657.5.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love is an older or dependent adult victim of any neglect or financial abuse in San Francisco or elsewhere in California, call Ingrid M. Evans at Evans Law Firm, Inc. at (415) 441-8669, or by email at <a href=”mailto:info@evanslaw.com”>info@evanslaw.com</a>. Our toll-free number is 1-888-50EVANS (888-503-8267).
[1] Evans Law Firm, Inc. was not involved in the reported case in any way.
