An older family member was abused and robbed by her assigned local health department healthcare coordinator. Robbed entirely and completely. There was absolutely zero accountability and a whole lot of shell game coverup. It made her homeless and she completely severed ties with everyone out of embarrassment, shock, and distrust I guess. She lost everything.
Every form of ID you can have, her kid's birth certificates, family death certificates everything she owned for 60 yrs. This happened in SW Colorado. The police said it was civil. What? When did abusing and robbing elderly healthcare clients become civil?
That nurse who robbed her previously had her nursing license suspended for methamphetamine. Is there anything that can be done? Let her reside in a port-o-potty until she's found dead? This incident was extremely disturbing to me.
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There's a lot of recourses out there I'm gonna put some links specifically for CO below.
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/aps
https://disabilitylawco.org/resource/mandatory-reporting-elder-abuse
https://www.ccerap.org/
https://humanservices.elpasoco.com/adult-protective-services/ this is just for El Paso County.
https://www.arapahoegov.com/390/Adult-Protection - this is just for Arapaho County - but most of the counties have something to this effect. You can reach out to one outside of your county they should have a list available for your county or at least know who to contact.
https://cdhs.colorado.gov/our-services/older-adult-services
https://www.senioranswers.org/financial-resources/
https://www.hud.gov/states/colorado/homeownership/seniors
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/colorado_agency_on_aging.html
There's a lot out there. I hope this helps.
Provide houseing or help he get thats stuff back
We can only sue and get a judgement. Her things are God knows where. Housing in Colorado could be years coming. And she's so freaked out she will tell no one of her location.
Call the national elderly abuse line. They have to help her. I would give you the number but I don't know where you live.
Oh I would get a lawyer straight away. Make the their/abuser and the company liable for what happened. The older family member should not be embarrassed at all. I would either home the person myself either until they can find a place to live, or indefinitely. You should also contact their local elderly housing and explain what happened. She can get elderly housing based on her income (social security) and family can help with furnishings. I hope they are not in a shelter where they can further abused. Please be the help and safety they need in the interim.
She called from a blocked number yesterday and a guy helped her file a complaint with the Nursing Board. It's a step. She's on housing lists, but in Colorado it could be years Thank you. She's been outside and staying in motels when affordable. Said she doesn't want to burden us. People in positions of power and/or trust should NEVER not have accountability for their actions. This happened through the Health Department in La Plata County.
Get a lawyer. Here are a couple of places that you might find legal support:
probono.net
justia.com
coltaf.org
I can't believe the police won't do anything! If I worked in McDonalds in Denver and got caught stealing $5, they would phone the police and I would be arrested. How is that any different? Apart from the fact that your relative has lost so much more. I am angry for you and your family member and I hope you get this resolved quickly. I think it's great that you are reaching out on BP and your family member is lucky to have you on their team. Good luck. Please let us all know how you get on. We're rooting for you!
I want to answer, but I don't know how to answer... Like. If she severed ties with everyone, then how could anything help? Are there any homeless shelters in the area? Does she still have 1 emergency contact that they still trust? Etc.
I want to answer, but I don't know how to answer... Like. If she severed ties with everyone, then how could anything help? Are there any homeless shelters in the area? Does she still have 1 emergency contact that they still trust? Etc.