Caregivers provide invaluable support to those needing assistance due to age, illness or disability. They often become trusted companions, gaining access to personal aspects of seniors’ lives. Unfortunately, this trust can sometimes be exploited. 

Understanding common tactics, recognizing warning signs and taking preventive steps can protect loved ones from falling victim to unscrupulous caregivers. Whether you’re hiring a caregiver or overseeing the care of a family member, these measures will help ensure their safety and well-being:

Secure valuables. Create a detailed inventory of all valuables in the home, including photos or videos of items and a list of their storage locations. Keep smaller valuables, such as jewelry, secured in a locked location at all times.

Be present. Regularly check in to evaluate the quality of care and observe the caregiver-recipient relationship. If you live nearby, make occasional unannounced visits for an accurate picture of the day-to-day situation. If you’re far away, enlist a trusted friend or neighbor to visit at least once or twice a month to provide updates.

Keep communication open.
Encourage your loved one to openly discuss any concerns about their caregiver. 

Use technology. With your loved one’s permission, install a doorbell camera to monitor caregiver arrivals and departures. Adding cameras in common areas, like the kitchen or living room, can also deter theft. Be sure to comply with state laws regarding in-home security cameras, especially for workplace monitoring.

Monitor transactions, cash and credit cards. To reduce financial risks, restrict a caregiver’s access to cash, checkbooks and credit cards. Use prepaid debit cards with a fixed balance for errands or shopping. Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unusual activity, such as large or unexplained purchases or irregular spending patterns.

Watch for additional warning signs. Unusual financial activity may indicate caregiver exploitation or misconduct. Be alert to the following red flags:

• Large, frequent or unexplained withdrawals or fund transfers

• Adding new signers or changing account holders without clear justification

• Unauthorized individuals conducting financial transactions, such as a caregiver acting without a valid financial power of attorney

• Checks written as “loans” or “gifts” or featuring questionable signatures

• Overdrafts, unpaid bills or other financial discrepancies

• Sudden changes to wills, trusts or powers of attorney

If you suspect a caregiver of fraud or theft, notify the police and contact Adult Protective Services. 

• Mesa County Adult Protective Services: 970-248-2888

• Delta County Adult Protection: 970-874-2030