The best time to avoid the pitfalls of in-home care is to address the issue before the fact.

      The first problem occurs when people believe that the agency is beyond reproach or that there is bonding or insurance to protect them. This creates a false sense of security for there is no agency that can insure you that all their caregivers, or agency office workers, are honest or that insurance and bonding will automatically protect you.

     The problem is that there are many criminals who have no known history of crime and much false information in  bonding and insurance sales that does not match the fine print in these policies. Collecting on a claim has a lot of requirements and is seldom used for that reason.

The following is a list of suggestions that are you best defense
for your assets and well being.

• Never let your valuables in places where they can be easily removed.
• Never permit anyone associated with your care to handle your cash, checks or credit cards.
• Never allow any non-medical person access to your prescription drugs and have your druggist control the time element of refilling them.
• Never give gifts unless you make your intentions known by also giving the person a note stating the object was a gift.
• Never loan persons associated with your care money or credit cards.
• Never pay your caregivers or caseworkers in advance.
• Always report any abuse to your guardian or caseworker.

     Other problems that could occur:

• It is advisable to not pay persons to take you places in their vehicle for it creates a problem with their insurance carrier if you are involved in an accident. The insurance carrier may not pay any claims if they find out that the policy owner acted as a taxi service.
• If you are not happy with a caregiver, ask for a replacement.
• Run if any person promises you that it is safe to do any of the "Never" statements above.