View Full Version : Elderly parent abuse
billyjean
Jul 13, 2007, 06:19 AM
My parents were put in a nursing home by my brothers. They told them it would only be for a short time while they got physical therapy.
Neither one qualified for pt but they are still in there nine months later.
Now they are weak from not doing much and I am not sure they could live on their own.
Also my brothers have taken all of their belongs without telling them.
They had the parents sign power of attorney over to them by lying to them and telling them they were just trying to get them extra help with their bills.
I can't prove this so my lawyer says there isn't much I can do. Is he right?
I feel this is abuse of the elderly and there should be a way to hang them for what they did.
ScottGem
Jul 13, 2007, 06:30 AM
Without proof or your parents swearing out a complaint I don't see what you can do. You might contact you local social services agency, many have elder care departments who can advise you further.
billyjean
Jul 13, 2007, 06:32 AM
What do you mean by swearing out a complaint?
ScottGem
Jul 13, 2007, 06:47 AM
Your parents would have to go to the police or distrct attorney to swear out a complaint that they have been taken advantage of.
billyjean
Jul 13, 2007, 06:50 AM
I would think their lawyer could do this for them also. Do you think he could?
ScottGem
Jul 13, 2007, 06:52 AM
Sure. If they think they are being abused, they should consult their attorney for advice.
billyjean
Jul 15, 2007, 03:20 PM
I was wondering if at their age they might say they do not know what they are doing as they are 95 years old.
Wondergirl
Jul 15, 2007, 03:31 PM
If your parents are in their right mind, they can give details of how their sons got power of attorney and then put them into a nursing home, took over their possessions, and didn't get for them the PT that had been promised.
A lawyer would (probably for a fee) go to the nursing home to have them sign papers for elder abuse.
There is a National Council on Aging (see their web site) plus area Councils on Aging with an office near you. Check the phone book for a contact number. They specilize in elder abuse.
billyjean
Jul 15, 2007, 07:30 PM
If it went to court is there any chance my parents would have to take the stand? I feel at their age it would be too hard on them.
ScottGem
Jul 15, 2007, 08:21 PM
Depends, a judge might allow their testimony or deposition be taken at the nursing home. But, if they prefer charges, they will have to testify.
billyjean
Jul 16, 2007, 12:24 AM
Thanks everyone but they are just not up to going to court at age 95. It is too bad when someone is abused by their own family.
Wondergirl
Jul 16, 2007, 10:13 AM
Because of their age and disabilities, certainly the court would accept a deposition taken at the nursing home. Check with a lawyer or the Council on Aging (heavily involved in elder abuse cases) before you accept what is said here and give up.
billyjean
Jul 31, 2007, 09:22 PM
Just a quick update. I lost my Dad. We buried him today. He just wasn't the type to put in a nursing home.
ScottGem
Aug 1, 2007, 05:34 AM
My condolences to you and your family.
Wondergirl
Aug 1, 2007, 08:17 AM
I'm so sorry to hear that, billyjean.
billyjean
Aug 2, 2007, 12:21 AM
Thanks to everyone who tried to help me and sent their blessings.