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T
tertoo Asked December 2014

What are the rules about caregivers receiving and cashing checks from an elderly client's account?

In excess of $1,100 per month?
My dad had a caregiver that I hired prior to my returning to live out of state. I just returned after one year. I happened to see a bank statement of his from August/September. I was shocked to see that out of the 11 checks he signed that month, 8 were to the caregiver. All were for $250 and up to $480! When I asked her about them, she said she might have some receipts for the things she purchased for him at her home. She said she couldn't remember, off-hand, what he spent the money on. She told me she would bring me the receipts she did have. Today (three days later) she says she has no receipts but that my dad knows she wouldn't take his money. My dad is 83 and suffering from increasing dementia and Alzheimers, one of the reasons I am here again.

What are the laws regarding this? All of the checks are in her handwriting with his signature. All are made out to her. What can I do about this situation? My dad is going into a Veteran's home far from here. He is unable to remember anything. He just keeps saying how much she cares about him. I know it's because she has convinced him of this. It's happened before.

Eyerishlass Dec 2014
If I were purchasing items on behalf of someone in this situation I would make very sure that I not only had the receipts but that I produced them ASAP just to avoid any possible misunderstanding.

Her vague, "I think I might have some receipts at home....." is a red flag. That she couldn't provide the receipts upon request, another red flag.

Call the police.

samara Dec 2014
Sounds criminal to me, but I wonder if the lady has some excuse for it, pretty hard to not have receipts for any of these spread over 2 months' time? Naw. Report this to your local police, file a report and include copies of the checks too. And the dates you talked with the aide, and if you used your cell phone include copies showing you called her number then.

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Chicago1954 Dec 2014
Go chat with an assistant state's attorney and take your evidence.

PrettyGood Dec 2014
tertoo, if this were happening to my paretns, I would have FIRED them on the spot when they could not produce the requested receipts. She is taking you for a ride, and will only continue to do so!
Yes, they ought to be able to provide simple receipts, and 3 days is plenty of time. That is basic professional caregiving.
I hope you are your dad's DPOA and have ability to ask his bank to issue a new account number, destroy the old checks, and DO NOT give your dad any more checks. Instruct the bank not to issue a debit card---make the bank aware of this caregiver! She might try some more stunts.

HomeboundInPA Dec 2014
Sorry, you hired this person? Caring for a senior is highly expensive . I AM the POA of my FIL , Who lives under my roof.

I could never remember EVERYTHING I have had to buy/order/etc. She could be honest with you, and if he cant get his own things (food/meds/shopping) well, she had too.

She could be his POA , did you see if that's been changed? IF she did, and its legally notarized . "Well, you have no say". Unless you can convince your father to re-appoint you.

You may need to double check everything, such as Wills/beneficiaries on life policies, etc. Just to be sure nothing has been changed! IF SO, then you may want to get a family attorney involved.


Sorry & good luck !

pamstegma Dec 2014
You call the cops, plain and simple. Of course since you hired the caregiver, you did all the payroll, withholding and submitted the quarterly forms, right?

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