An assisted-living facility worker was recently arrested in Urbana after she allegedly stole money from an elderly resident’s room. The 28-year-old worker supposedly raised suspicions after a number of residents reported cash missing from their rooms. In response to complaints, officers from the Urbana Police Department purportedly set up a hidden video camera in the room of a resident who was often gone. Police stated they placed a $20 bill on top of the resident’s dresser and pointed the camera at the money. Two days later, the 28-year-old woman was allegedly caught on camera pocketing the cash.
A representative for the Urbana Police Department stated the assisted-living facility worker denied taking the money. Still, the 28-year-old was charged with both burglary and residential burglary. If convicted on the more serious residential burglary charge, the worker could face a prison sentence of four to 15 years.
Information from the Illinois State Police claims at least 100,000 elderly citizens currently reside in the nearly 1,300 long-term care facilities located throughout our state. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately one million seniors are neglected or abused across the country each year. In addition, such abuse is allegedly grossly underreported. Elder abuse is any knowing or careless act that causes mental, emotional, physical, or financial harm to a senior citizen. Signs of elder abuse by a caregiver may include bedsores, unexplained physical injuries, soiled clothing or bedding, anxiety regarding being alone with caretakers, and reports of missing cash or other personal items.
Regrettably, theft in long-term care facilities is an often overlooked form of elder abuse. Despite the numerous laws designed to protect nursing home residents, they may fall victim to mistreatment by someone who is tasked with their care. Not only unscrupulous employees, but also other residents may choose to steal from skilled nursing and other care facility patients. If you suspect a nursing home or other long-term care facility patient was physically, emotionally, or financially abused by a caretaker, you should discuss your concerns with a skilled nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.
If you believe your friend or family member was the victim of abuse or neglect while residing in an Illinois nursing home, do not hesitate to give the dedicated attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596 today. Our experienced Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to help you protect the rights of your elderly and disabled friends and family members. For a free consultation with a capable advocate, please contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through the law firm’s website.
More Blogs:
Study Claims Nursing Home Residents in Illinois and Elsewhere Are Often Prescribed Dangerous Anti-Psychotic Medications Despite FDA Black Box Warning, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, February 25, 2013
Deficiency Reports for Nursing Homes in Illinois and Missouri Now Available Online, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, February 20, 2013
Additional Resources:
Rantoul woman charged with stealing from nursing home resident, by Mary Schenk, Rantoul Press