The decision to hire a home caregiver for an elderly loved one is never easy. After taking the time to research a home care company and its caregivers, most people will feel they have built a level of trust with the staff. Unfortunately, that trust is often broken. According to the National Association of Nursing Home Abuse, caregiver theft is a common form of abuse suffered by elderly adults.
Dalli & Marino is a team of experienced nursing home abuse lawyers. If you have a family member or loved one who will be cared for by a home caregiver, it is crucial you follow these tips to help prevent caregiver theft.
Choose the Right Home Care Company
It can take time to find a home care company that you and your loved one are comfortable with. There should be an extensive research process in which you decide whether you want to hire a caregiver from a company or agency or if you wish to hire an independent caregiver. Unless you truly feel you have a trusting relationship with an independent caregiver, it is recommended that you use a caregiver who comes from a home car company. This is because there will be more protection for you and your family if you work with a company rather than just one person.
Some questions to ask before choosing a home car company include:
- What policies do they have in place to prevent theft?
- How do they vet their employees?
- Do they do criminal screenings, background checks, and drug testing of employees?
- What is the procedure for filing a complaint?
- What is their process for investigating a complaint?
- Do they have a history of caregiver theft issues?
It is crucial that you choose a home care company that is diligent in doing what they can to prevent caregiver theft on their end.
Take an Inventory of All Valuables in the Home
Before a caregiver begins working for your loved one, take an inventory or any valuables in the home. Take photos of each item and make a note of their location for your records. This will help you know if something has been taken and provide you with proof if you have to file a claim. Some items to take inventory of include:
- Jewelry
- Electronics
- Cash
- Checkbooks
- Prescription drugs
It may be a good idea to invest in home surveillance such as a “nanny cam.” This will allow you to monitor the care being given to your loved one and catch any theft.
What to Do if You Catch a Caregiver Committing Theft
If you catch your loved one’s caregiver stealing from them, it is crucial that you are careful about how you process. Accusing someone of theft is a serious statement to make. It is crucial that you follow these steps:
- Do not jump to conclusions and review all evidence from an unbiased perspective
- Contact the appropriate authorities, do not try to handle this on your own
- Contact the home care company and let them know of the caregiver’s theft
Additionally, it is vital that you contact an experienced caregiver theft lawyer to help with your claim.
Seek Justice With a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Unfortunately, caregiver theft is a common form of abuse suffered by older Americans. If your loved one has been the victim of caregiver theft, get help from a New York lawyer who may be able to help with your claim.
Dalli & Marino is a team of New York caregiver theft lawyers who have been helping clients build a strong claim since 1996. We are proud to provide our clients with the award-winning representation they deserve as we help them pursue the justice they are owed. For a free case evaluation, contact us here or call (888) 465-8790.