Mom's credit card number was stolen by caregiver in an AL. What is best way of handle this?

I wouldn't regret involving the police. You don't know how long the caregiver's been at this home, where she was before, and whether or not this was the first situation in which she stole someone's card.

Beyond the obvious criminal act, it's a breach of trust on her part. And I think it's a breach of the fiduciary responsibilities a nursing home has to keep their residents safe. I'm surprised they didn't fire her.

Don't regret involving the police; they'll handle it and she'll be dealt with accordingly. Hopefully she'll find another line of work where she isn't tempted to steal something from an elderly woman.

But follow Geewiz' and Windy's advice - get a copy of the police report and contact one of the 3 credit agencies. There are 2 types of fraud reports: long term (I think it's 5 years) and a 90 day alert. With a police report, you can place the long term alert. W/o a police report, you can just put a 90 day alert on - at least that's the way it's been for quite a few years.

I assume the credit card issuer has already been notified and the account's been closed.

Gee whiz is right. What does she need credit cards for in a nursing home? Make sure you cancel this one. Do you have POA? I have been covertly getting rids of my dads cards when I saw he was giving money to crap charities. I bought him a new wallet, said....Let me have your old one and I'll put all your stuff in it. ....I got rid of all except one card he uses at Krogers. He liked his new wallet. Said....Boy this ones a lot thinner....

Don't forget to report this to the credit agencies -- Experian, Transunion, Equifax. I believe if you report to one, they inform the othe 2. This protects your Mom against info being used to open new accounts. You can have them put a fraud alert on the account to be sure the ID isn't used to open new accounts. Let the police report stand. Seniors are especially open to this type of fraud.

I'd remove the card, and all financial data from Mom's room. (as well as any items of financial or sentimental value). What is she using a credit card for? As to the AL keeping the employee on!!! I wouldn't want her around. Lovely that she confessed but it is still a huge breach of trust!