Money problems in nursing homes are not always about unpaid bills. Sometimes, it is about a resident’s savings quietly slipping away, taken by someone who was supposed to help. That “someone” could be a staff member, another resident, or even a trusted visitor.

In Georgia, this kind of behavior is a crime. Since nursing home residents often rely on others for basic needs, spotting financial abuse early can make the difference between stopping it and losing everything.

This blog walks through what the law says, signs you cannot ignore, and what you can do if it happens to your family.

Georgia’s Legal Protections for Residents

GA O.C.G.A. §§ 16-5-100 to 16-5-102 defines financial exploitation broadly. It includes taking a resident’s money or property by lying, pressuring, or misusing authority. That covers actions like forging checks, rerouting benefit payments, or “borrowing” funds without consent.

Facilities have their own set of rules to follow under the Residents’ Bill of Rights (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 111-8-50). Unless a legal guardian is in place, residents control their own finances.

If the nursing home manages a resident’s funds, those funds must be kept in a separate account and tracked with regular statements. If the home cannot explain where the money went, that is a red flag.

Red Flags Families Should Watch For

You don’t have to be a forensic accountant to notice something is off. Warning signs might include:

  • Sudden ATM withdrawals or odd credit card charges
  • Personal items disappearing from a room
  • Quick changes to wills or bank accounts
  • Difficulty getting a straight answer about account balances
  • A resident who seems confused about where their money is going

Act Before More Damage Is Caused

The Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging or Adult Protective Services are the places to report suspected abuse. Criminal charges may result in jail time, fines, and restitution. Civil lawsuits can also cover emotional harm and recover money that has been stolen.

We at the Williams Litigation Group assist families in gathering information, constructing a case, and pursuing justice. Give us a call at (866) 214-7026 to discuss your options if you believe that a loved one’s funds are being misappropriated in a nursing home.