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Why is your elderly loved one tipping nursing home workers?

On Behalf of | Oct 15, 2024 | Elder Law

Your elderly loved one recently moved into a nursing home. For the most part, you believe that the nursing home is safe, and you have seen no evidence of physical or sexual abuse. The staff seems friendly and kind, and they have the proper protections in place – such as a security system to keep residents from wandering off if they have memory impairments and other cognitive issues.

But you’re still slightly concerned when you go to the nursing home and see your loved one giving a tip to one of the caregivers. Maybe someone comes to their room to assist them because they need help going to the bathroom, taking a shower or eating a meal. After the job is done and the caregiver is going to return to the office, the elderly person gives them a tip as a way of saying thanks.

Why is this a problem?

Some people believe that this is normal, as tipping is very common in the United States. But it can be highly problematic when it comes to nursing homes, and most facilities prohibit it outright.

The problem is that it could be a form of financial exploitation or abuse. It can be difficult for you to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

For example, the elderly person may have been threatened by the caregiver, who said they wouldn’t respond promptly to a call for assistance unless they were given some compensation. They are forcing your loved one to provide “tips” just to get the services they deserve. The caregiver is trying to exploit your family for their own financial gain.

This is just one example of how financial abuse can occur in a nursing home, and you need to know what legal steps to take if it does.