Financial Exploitation, Property, Boundaries and Gifts

Misappropriation of Resident Property

Residents have a right to retain and use personal possessions as space permits, unless doing so would infringe on other residents’ rights or health and safety. For many individuals living in a facility, personal items such as clothing, framed photographs, and jewelry carry deep emotional value and connect them to their life history. Nurse aides must handle all resident property with care to prevent loss or damage. Aides should open drawers or closets only when needed for assigned care, ask the resident’s permission when the resident can give it, and follow the care plan and facility policy if the resident cannot.

Misappropriation of property means deliberately taking, misusing, or hiding a resident's belongings without their consent. Examples include stealing money, clothing, jewelry, or personal items from a resident's room, as well as using a resident's belongings for oneself without permission. Borrowing money or personal items from a resident is strictly prohibited under any circumstances. Misappropriation of resident property is a severe violation that can result in the loss of nurse aide certification, termination of employment, and criminal charges.

Nurse aides must follow facility policy for recording and labeling residents' personal belongings to ensure items are not misplaced. Any inventory concerns, such as an unlabeled new sweater or an inaccurate property list, must be reported to the nurse. If an aide discovers that a resident's personal item is damaged or missing, the aide must report it immediately to the nurse so the facility can investigate and take appropriate action.