AARP Recommendations
Take these additional steps to safeguard a care recipient from financial exploitation.
- Secure valuables, cash and cards-Limit an in-home aide’s access to a loved one’s cash, checkbooks, and credit cards. If their job includes buying groceries or running errands for the older person, consider giving them prepaid debit cards for the purpose, so they can spend only up to the loaded amount.
- Be present-Check in regularly with both the caregiver and the care recipient to monitor the quality of service and see how the relationship is developing. Make unannounced visits if you are close by. If you live far away, ask a trusted friend of your loved one to pop in at least once or twice a month.
- Use technology-If your loved one will allow it, install a doorbell video camera on the front door and monitor transactions.
- Monitor transactions-Arrange “view only” access to their bank and credit card accounts.
