Things to consider while investigating Financial Neglect: Unpaid bills, no electricity in the home, eviction notices
Definition of Financial Neglect: repeated instances by a caretaker or other person who has assumed the role of financial management of failure to use the resources available to restore or maintain the health and physical well-being of a vulnerable adult, including but not limited to:
- Squandering or negligently mismanaging the money, property, or accounts of a vulnerable adult;
- Refusing to pay for necessities or utilities in a timely manner; or
- Providing substandard care to a vulnerable adult despite the availability of adequate financial resources.
oklahoma.gov | Definition of Financial Neglect
Example of Appropriate Findings Narrative
Example of Substantiated Allegation:
Allegation of financial neglect is substantiated. There is sufficient evidence to show Honey Bee, alleged perpetrator, financially neglected Donald Duck. AP Bee is the AV’s representative payee for AV’s Social Security income and is responsible for paying AV’s monthly household expenses including rent, gas, water, and electric.
Bank records were reviewed for representative payee account at Sooner Bank for April 2023 through July 2023. Bank statements for months ending June and July 2023 show no payments were made for rent to Regency Apartments, Summit gas, OG&E or the city of Bunko for water and sewer, AP Bee left the state July 16, 2023, and returned July 28, 2023.
AV’s gas, water and electric were shutoff during the AP’s absence out of state. AV also received a notice to vacate the premises while AP was out of state. Once AP returned the utilities were paid and services reinstated. AV’s rent was also paid, and the landlord rescinded the notice to vacate the premises. APS notified the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the AP’s failure to pay AV’s monthly expenses timely.
The SSA will review and determine if a new payee is appointed.
Example of Unsubstantiated Allegation:
Allegation of Financial Neglect is unsubstantiated. Between 01/01/23 and 03/31/23, the alleged perpetrator (AP), Mona Lisa, failed to pay alleged victim (AV) Sun Shine’s monthly vendor payment of $1,802 to No Name Nursing Care, resulting in an outstanding balance of $4,506 owed to No Name Nursing Home.
AP Mona Lisa reported there was not enough money in AV’s bank account to pay the monthly vendor payments and AP received a paper check not direct deposit. AV was reported to be managing her finances prior to entering the nursing home. AP is the AV’s Power of Attorney (POA) but had never had to use it until she was contacted a few months after the AV entered the nursing home about the non-payment of the monthly vendor payments.
Bank statements received from Arvest Bank were reviewed and it was noted there were no deposits made into the account for the months of 01/01/2023 thru 3/31/2023. The Social Security Administration (SSA) was contacted and advised that AV’s check was returned by USPS. The SSA placed the payment in suspension for this reason. AP/POA requested No Name Nursing Care apply to be payee.
The business office manager at No Name Nursing Care has completed the paperwork for the nursing home to become payee.
