When a loved one moves into a nursing home, it’s a significant transition for the resident and their family. While the primary focus is often on ensuring the resident’s safety and well-being, it’s equally important to consider the security of their personal belongings. Unfortunately, incidents of nursing home neglect and abuse can extend beyond physical and emotional harm to include the mishandling or theft of residents’ possessions. This can lead to distress and frustration for both the resident and their family.

In this article, we will explore practical steps you can take to protect your loved one’s personal belongings in a nursing home while also discussing the legal recourse available if nursing home neglect or abuse leads to the loss of property.

Understanding the Risks

Personal belongings in nursing homes can be at risk for several reasons. The communal nature of these facilities, combined with high staff turnover and varying levels of supervision, can create an environment where theft or loss is more likely to occur. In some unfortunate cases, nursing home abuse and neglect may even contribute to these losses.

Common Causes of Loss or Theft

• Staff Theft: While most nursing home staff are dedicated professionals, instances of theft by staff members are not unheard of. This can range from small items, like jewelry or cash, to more significant belongings.
• Other Residents: Due to cognitive impairments such as dementia, some residents may inadvertently take items that don’t belong to them, thinking they are their own.
• Poor Facility Management: Nursing homes with inadequate management practices may fail to safeguard residents’ belongings, leading to loss or damage.

Inventory and Labeling: The First Line of Defense

One of the most effective ways to protect personal belongings in a nursing home is to create a detailed inventory before your loved one moves in. This inventory should list all items, from clothing and personal care items to electronics and valuables.

Steps for Creating an Inventory

1. Document Everything: Take photographs of each item and note any identifying characteristics, such as serial numbers or inscriptions. This documentation can be invaluable if something goes missing and you must file a nursing home lawsuit for recovery.
2. Label Belongings: Label clothing and other personal items with your loved one’s name using permanent labels or laundry markers. Some nursing homes provide labeling services, but it’s often better to do it yourself to ensure it’s done correctly.
3. Keep a Copy of the Inventory: Keep a copy of the inventory in a safe place and provide another to the nursing home’s administration. Update this list periodically to reflect any new items or changes.

Limiting the Number of Valuables

While it’s natural to want your loved one to feel at home in their new environment, limiting the number of valuable items they bring to the nursing home is advisable. This reduces the risk of theft or loss and minimizes the emotional impact if something goes missing.

Considerations for Valuables

• Jewelry: Encourage your loved one to leave expensive or sentimental jewelry at home. If they insist on bringing certain pieces, consider purchasing less costly alternatives or replicas.
• Electronics: While some residents may want to bring personal electronics like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, these can be attractive targets for theft. If bringing such items is necessary, ensure they are clearly labeled and consider purchasing insurance.
• Heirlooms and Sentimental Items: Items with significant sentimental value should be kept with family members. If your loved one wants to keep something meaningful in their room, try replacing it with something with less financial or emotional risk.

Utilizing a Lockbox or Safe

Many nursing homes allow residents to keep a small lockbox or safe in their room to secure valuables. This can be an effective way to protect cash, important documents, and small pieces of jewelry.

Tips for Using a Lockbox or Safe

• Choose the Right Lockbox: Ensure the lockbox is sturdy, discreet, and easy for your loved one to access. It should be small enough to be unobtrusive but large enough to hold essential items.
• Dual Access: Consider having dual access to the lockbox, with one key held by the resident and another by a trusted family member. This can be crucial in emergencies or if your loved one has difficulty managing the lock.
• Regular Checks: Periodically check the contents of the lockbox to ensure everything is accounted for. If any discrepancies are noticed, report them immediately to the nursing home administration.

Engaging with Nursing Home Staff

Building a positive relationship with the nursing home staff is crucial to protecting your loved one’s belongings. Open communication can help ensure that staff members know the importance of your loved one’s items and are vigilant about their security.

How to Build Relationships with Staff

1. Introduce Yourself: When your loved one first moves in, take the time to introduce yourself to the staff and explain any specific concerns you have about personal belongings.
2. Regular Communication: Regularly check in with the staff to discuss your loved one’s well-being and the security of their belongings. This can be done during visits or through scheduled meetings.
3. Ask About Policies: Inquire about the facility’s policies on lost or stolen items and what steps are taken to prevent such incidents. Understanding these policies can help you hold the facility accountable in case of negligence.

Regularly Reviewing and Updating the Inventory

Once your loved one is settled in, it’s essential to review the inventory of their belongings periodically. This helps keep track of items and serves as a preventative measure against nursing home abuse and neglect.

Conducting Inventory Reviews

• Schedule Regular Checks: Set a schedule for regular inventory checks, such as every three to six months, depending on the risk level and your loved one’s cognitive abilities.
• Report Missing Items: If any items are missing, report them immediately to the nursing home administration. Document the report in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• Follow-up: Follow up on reported incidents to ensure they are being addressed. If the administration fails to take appropriate action, this may be a sign of neglect, and legal action might be necessary.

Considering Insurance

Insurance can provide additional protection for your loved one’s belongings. Some homeowners’ insurance policies extend coverage to personal items in nursing homes, while others may require additional riders.

Exploring Insurance Options

• Review Existing Policies: Check your loved one’s existing homeowners or renters insurance policy to see if it covers items in a nursing home.
• Purchase Additional Coverage: If the current policy does not offer sufficient coverage, consider purchasing additional insurance specifically for nursing home residents. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of loss.
• Understand the Terms: Ensure you understand the terms and limitations of the insurance policy, including the process for filing claims. Knowing this information can be critical if you need to recover costs due to nursing home neglect or abuse.

Educating Your Loved One

Empowering your loved one with knowledge about protecting their belongings is an essential step in preventing loss or theft. While they may not be able to take all the necessary precautions on their own, understanding the risks and knowing what to do if something goes missing can be empowering.

Tips for Educating Residents

• Discuss the Risks: Have an open conversation with your loved one about the potential risks to their belongings and the importance of vigilance.
• Encourage Reporting: Ensure your loved one knows they should immediately report any missing items or suspicious activity to the staff. This can help prevent further loss and assist in recovering the item.
• Provide Support: Reassure your loved one that they can reach out to you or another trusted family member if they have concerns about their belongings. Regular visits and communication can help them feel supported and less isolated.

Legal Recourse: When to Consider a Nursing Home Lawsuit

If your loved one’s belongings are consistently going missing or if you suspect theft or negligence, it may be time to consider legal action. Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide a safe environment for their residents, and failure to do so can be grounds for a nursing home lawsuit.

Steps to Take if Legal Action is Necessary

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any incidents of missing or stolen items, including dates, times, and any communication with the nursing home administration.
2. Consult an Attorney: If you believe that nursing home neglect or abuse is contributing to the loss of your loved one’s belongings, consult with an attorney who specializes in nursing home lawsuits. They can help you assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
3. File a Complaint: Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to file a formal complaint with state regulatory agencies or pursue a civil lawsuit. Your attorney can guide you through this process and help you seek justice for your loved one.

Protecting personal belongings in a nursing home is critical to ensuring your loved one’s overall well-being. By taking proactive steps such as creating an inventory, limiting valuables, using a lockbox, and engaging with staff, you can reduce the risk of loss or theft. However, if nursing home neglect or abuse leads to the mishandling of your loved one’s belongings, legal action may be necessary to hold the facility accountable.

Questions About a Potential Lawsuit Involving a Nursing Home Facility?

Michael Hill is a nationally recognized attorney who handles exclusively cases against long term care facilities. Michael and his firm, Michael Hill Trial Law, handle cases across the country.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as providing legal advice or the creation of an attorney client relationship. Laws are updated frequently and change from state to state. If you desire legal advice, you can contact Michael Hill Trial Law at www.protectseniors.com, send an email to info@protectseniors.com, call (800) 659-2712 to begin an investigation, or contact another attorney.