Regarding a resident's personal funds, how should a facility respond?

• A. Staff should take full control of resident funds for safekeeping.
• B. Family members must always manage all resident funds.
• C. Residents may manage their own funds if able; avoid misappropriation and provide accounting as required by policy.
• D. No accounting is ever required for funds.

Answer: (C)

Managing a resident’s personal funds hinges on respecting autonomy while ensuring safeguards. If the resident is able, they should be allowed to handle their own money. The facility must guard against misappropriation by keeping clear, transparent records and providing accounting as required by policy. This means secure storage for funds, separate handling from facility finances, and regular statements to the resident or their authorized representative.

If the resident cannot manage funds themselves, a legally designated person (such as a power of attorney or guardian) may handle them, but the facility still must maintain accurate accounting and report it according to policy. This approach protects the resident’s rights while ensuring financial integrity.

Why not other approaches? Giving staff full control removes resident autonomy and increases risk of misuse, and requiring a family member to always manage funds ignores the resident’s own capabilities and preferences or legal designations. Saying no accounting is ever required ignores fundamental accountability and regulatory expectations.