Rolling River was clean and the staff helpful when you took your tour. They had a good ratio resident to staff and lunch was good. When you walked down the hall, the admission director knew the residents names. The costs was within the same range as other places you visited but this facility had a 5 star rating by the state and the rooms were larger. After review of all information, you believed Rolling River was the best choice.
For several weeks, your parent had difficulty adjusting to her new "home". You received calls at midnight a couple times a week because she was crying and wanted you to visit her. Finally by the fourth week, Sandy, the rec director, convinced her to play Bingo, attend movies, and eat meals in the dining room. Your parent was more content. She was meeting people and enjoying herself.
You are finally taking deeper breathes and relaxing - hasn't happened in a long time. Then you get a phone call from Pauline, Social Worker, and you have a feeling it isn't good news.
"Joanna, this is Pauline Scott, from Rolling River calling for your mother, Hilda Mayfield. Not an emergency. Your mother is upset but otherwise okay."
"What happened?"
"We recently hired a CENA's and she was caught stealing from several residents. A nurse found the CENA in your mother's room. Caught in her purse taking out money and a charge card, then stuffing them in her pocket. When the nurse checked both pockets, the nurse found your mother's watch, two bracelets, and two necklaces. The police are here now investigating."
Joanna told Pauline, "I'll be right over."
Joanna rushed to the care facility to help see her mother. For four years, she kept her mother in a safe environment. Within a couple months of having Joanna's mother in a care facility, her mother was a victim of a robbery. Pauline apologized to both Joanna and her mother numerous times. She explained in the 20 years she worked at Rolling River, this is the first incident of stealing by an employee.
"That was a very brave nurse who caught her. She even called 911 while she was in the room with the woman and Hilda. The CENA cooperated and no one was hurt. Think she was embarrassed. Do you how much money your mother had?"
"Look inside the zippered lining. I kept her money in a envelope with the dollar amount. Whenever she spent money, I deducted that amount. I asked her not to spend money unless I was present. She had $57. I didn't want her having the checkbook, charge and money but she insisted. Told me it helped her feel independent. Now look what happened."
"Remember when the Admission Director, Elizabeth, told you and your mother about leaving valuables in the rooms? We prided ourselves on never having a robbery, but we are also realistic. If a resident doesn't have things of value, it cuts down the chances he will be a victim of this type of elder abuse. We care about our residents and do not want anything happening to them. Perhaps now you will be able to convince your mother to let you take the checkbook and charge home and leave a small amount of money. Bring her a change of jewelry once or twice a week."
"I do remember Elizabeth telling Mother and me about valuables. But then she put up such a fuss when she moved in it was my way of calming the waters. I thought once she settled in, I could convince her to give them to me. But she wouldn't give them up. I should have had Elizabeth come in for a talk. Was getting frustrated, gave in. Should have been stronger. Then it wouldn't happened."
"Don't blame yourself for the actions of this employee. She stole from your mother and other people. Our other social worker, Ken, may be able to help your mother work through this incident. We do not want her to feel like a victim. She trusted her CENA."
"Thanks. I'll come by your office in a couple days for a status update. I'm going to see my mother. Want the nurse to help Mom into bed. She could use rest."
"Sounds like a good idea. She's been through an ordeal today."
Hopefully, you or your loved one will never have to endure an experience of robbery. Be proactive. If your loved one resides in a care facility, make sure there is nothing of value in his room. If he insists on keeping his checkbook and charge cards, then set up a meeting with the admission director.
Stealing is a form of abuse to seniors that sometimes does not get reported because the elderly person, trusts the person who steals from them. Sometimes it is a friend, caregiver, or their child. They might trust them with their charge card, check book, or cash. Then these people victimize trusting elderly seniors. As caregivers we cannot always protect our parents but we can have talks with them about elderly financial abuse. Whether your loved one insists on keeping her checkbook, and charge card, or passes them on to you, have an online account so you can monitor them every few days. You cannot stop abuse from happening but preventative measures is a step in the right direction.
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| Hilda and Joanna |
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