I haven't had any problems with my mom's home helpers, but reading this thread makes me think that we should regularly check her credit report. Idenity theft would take longer to find than stealing cash.
I have never had this happen with my dad, but I have worried about this very issue and have tried to prevent it. I live 4 hrs away from my dad, and no one can be with him at all times. He has providers in and out all day. Before I even set up the providers after my mom passed away last year, I set up a camera in his house. Then I posted signs on all the doors in his house and told all the providers I set up, too. Never have had a problem. I make sure his bills are paid, make sure he doesn't have a lot of cash on him, either. So far, we haven't had a problem. My dad and I love the cam - it has a microphone on it, we spend lot of time together through it. Wierd, but works for us...
You may want to consult with a Geriatric Care Manager in your area about this situation, and you may also want an Elder Law Attorney to help you with your legal situation. To find a Geriatric Care Manager in your area.
This could be starting out small, but end up big - like us. The aide ended up with CD's in her name, thousands taken from safe, etc. Bank managers say, "We see this all the time." Don't delay! You have the right to say who comes and doesn't come into your home from the agency.
Our family suspected a caregiver was taking things, also. Knowing my mother, we could not be sure. I do know that you have to have proof when you accuse, but you could mention to her employers that your father has money missing. You are not accusing her, but you put them on alert. They may have had the same problems at the last place the caretaker was caring for someone. You can also request another caregiver without any explanation.
I am really sorry this is happening... I have worked in home care and would never have taken anything from my patients... I would see if you can set a little trap for her... but I would definately call the agency and tell them of your suspicions. take care... J
Hi, Lindakgive, what is your actual proof, or reasonable suspicion that leads you to allege that the care worker has stolen money from your Dad's wallet? Even if you don't share your suspicions or proof in this forum, may I recommend that you share what you think you know with someone who is not a part of your family, first, to determine whether someone else validates that your suspicions are reasonable and potentially actionable? If you do that simple reality check first, which may also be done in this forum if you are so inclined, it helps you to be on solid ground when taking your next steps. For me only, if my reasonable suspicion or proof were that clear-cut, I would bypass the agency and report the matter to the police, then to the agency to ensure proper checks and balances, rather than risking a potential agency cover-up, or running undue interference to suppress evidence, or circle the wagons around the worker. I am not saying the agency you use would do that, but I prefer checks and balances, rather than assuming that the agency will do the right thing. Kind of like the fox guarding the hen house in my mind.
If I ever had a care worker in an elder's home, I guarantee you that all cash and checks would not be present as temptations to anyone. Wallets would be empty, including of credit cards, drivers' license, and stealable identity information. Call me what you will, but direct care workers in-home are unsupervised, and it is my responsibility to ensure that everything other than furniture and clothes and food is in supermax lockdown. Talk to your Dad and let him know what your plan is to safeguard his assets. If he is not able to understand, then just do what you need to do to secure his identity, his cash, and records, etc., while you are not there to supervise the agency worker.
I agree - you must know for a fact before you can say someone is stealing. If you do know for a fact, you must report it. AND - do not leave anything around that you cannot afford to lose!
Older people often think that caregivers are stealing - it is not always so. But why take the chance? Don't leave money where anyone can take it! Good luck.
One of my dads caregivers was adding excessive hours to her pay and getting my dad to sign the checks. My brother had POA but I had to report it to the sheriffs dept. because he did not want to do anything about it. The lady had a record in alot of different states,all for stealing. The home health nurse recommended her and my brother who is a DA appoved her. They arrested her as fast as I made the report,because she was on probation.She did avery little time, got out on probation, her probation officer got her a job at another retirement home, where she took advantage of more old people. Pamela's right get the proof,the agency may not care any more than my brother who's part of the system. I do not know where she is now,but I would not be surprised if she is still siting with the elderly or at some school or daycare.We went through alot of theives,but that was the only recommened one.NEVER KEEP CASH AROUND THE HELP, OR CHECK BOOKS.
Naheaton and Eddie said everything I was going to. In today's highly litigious society, what you say isn't as important as what you can prove. So have your ammo ready, but check with us before going to war. Inquiring minds want to know ....
You tell the agency nothing, you set up your own nannycam, sit back and watch. When you have proof, you present the agency with the footage. This way both the caregiver and the agency are responsible.
You then cal channel's 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, CNN, FOX NEWS, Good Morning America, Toady, Wendy Williams (who can't hold water) and Michael Moore and give them all the footage, this way the entire world will know that this person is a thief that came from ...particular agency. The agency will be put on point and take better precautions at their hiring process.
Too many times over and over these care givers get fired from one agency only to show up at another without the world knowing what they've done, and without any justice.
austin...had a pic of fake geriatric money....in my head monopoly money....so to speak..hmmmm new product venture? Sorry had to have a little LOL on the fake money part..but a good/great idea!
You need to make sure he has no money available when she is there and I would say something to her not acussing but that he keeps losing his money so if she is taking it it will be a warning or put fake money in his wallet or a check and write for deposit only on the back so she can not cash or tell the agency to send another aide because when she is there he loses his money and tell the agency you are setting up a sting to give her warning if she is not taking the money she will have no problem or put up camers like they do in school buses most of them are not turned on but the students do not know which ones are or maybe have a neighbor drop in at different times of her shift.
My mom stated a few weeks back that she had 700 dollars missing and accused a caregiver, but then again I had no proof. It could have been she was just mistaken and misplaced it. I did mention it to the caregiver and her supervisor and the owner of the company just so the topic was out there but never persued it. I have since locked up any monies and she has some in her purse. So perhaps you can do the same and just know how much he had in his wallet.
Make sure she doesn't use the "your dad gave me permission " excuse, let the agency know that this is going on, and contact the local authorities. unfortunately this does happen a lot, protect your dad"s money by putting it in a personal safe or lockbox, that only you and your dad can access
If you know for sure that it's her that's stealing his money, and NOT your dad taking his money and hiding it, then rat her out. The agency needs to know who they're hiring. (But make sure it's iron clad before accusing someone of stealing.)
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joy4caringheart I take it you prosecuted!
If I ever had a care worker in an elder's home, I guarantee you that all cash and checks would not be present as temptations to anyone. Wallets would be empty, including of credit cards, drivers' license, and stealable identity information. Call me what you will, but direct care workers in-home are unsupervised, and it is my responsibility to ensure that everything other than furniture and clothes and food is in supermax lockdown. Talk to your Dad and let him know what your plan is to safeguard his assets. If he is not able to understand, then just do what you need to do to secure his identity, his cash, and records, etc., while you are not there to supervise the agency worker.
Good luck!
Older people often think that caregivers are stealing - it is not always so. But why take the chance? Don't leave money where anyone can take it! Good luck.
Naheaton and Eddie said everything I was going to. In today's highly litigious society, what you say isn't as important as what you can prove. So have your ammo ready, but check with us before going to war. Inquiring minds want to know ....
-- ED
You then cal channel's 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, CNN, FOX NEWS, Good Morning America, Toady, Wendy Williams (who can't hold water) and Michael Moore and give them all the footage, this way the entire world will know that this person is a thief that came from ...particular agency. The agency will be put on point and take better precautions at their hiring process.
Too many times over and over these care givers get fired from one agency only to show up at another without the world knowing what they've done, and without any justice.
I call it Just Cause.