If you can’t be the one to do the hands-on work of taking care of your older relative or family member, you obviously want the next best, most reliable replacement you can find to do the job. Even if you are living with an older parent or grandparent or you have a senior relative living alone, it can be incredibly helpful to have the support of a professional caretaker, who can handle the day-to-day needs of your loved one and provide much-needed medical attention and care for regular, on-going treatment needs.
Unfortunately, many senior citizens are victims of abuse or fraud often committed by those closest to them—a caretaker, nurse or even a relative. Many fraudsters will pose as nursing aides or caregivers to get closer to their victims and then take advantage of them for money or to commit physical abuse. To avoid falling into their trap, abuse lawyers in California recommend abiding by the following tips.
Don’t Go for Online Ads
Craigslist is great for finding a new couch for your basement or hiring someone to read over your science fiction melodrama that you’ve been working on your entire life, but it is not the place most nursing home abuse attorneys recommend for selecting a person to whom you can entrust your beloved grandparent, parent or elderly relative.
In fact, online advertising sites are a common way for fraudulent “caregivers” to get their foot in the door. Once hired, they can immediately commit their abuse or crime or wait, gain the older person’s trust and work their scheme that way.
When you are looking for a caregiver, it is best to go through an agency with a well-known reputation. A good agency will have a variety of options for you depending on your loved one’s needs and they should have people who can answer your questions as well or even schedule an initial interview or visit.
Do Your Homework
Although entities are not required by law to run background checks on potential caregivers, many reputable agencies will perform one as part of their hiring process. However, you need to do your own check as well. When you are working with an agency, ask if they performed a background check for the caregiver you are interested in hiring, and if so, ask to the see documentation and information they gathered.
Additionally, you should be able to find reviews online or through other sources about the agency you’ve selected. Hearing the comments from other people who have used the same services can give you a feel for the agency’s professionalism and the quality they provide across the board. This can give you a frame of reference when you are trying to find an agency that will give you top-notch, professional help.
Anyone you hire should be able to give you a list of references from past work and experience. You should definitely look into these as well, especially because so many people do not take the time and a fraudster could be relying on that and passing off false information.
At the Evans Law Firm, Inc. we represent any client who has been swindled or abused by a fraudulent caregiver. To discuss your case, contact a California nursing home abuse attorney at our firm today. We can be reached by email at info@evanslaw.com, or by telephone at (888) 503-8267 or (415) 441-8669.
