In-Home Caregivers Must Be Fully Investigated
The Oakland Tribune brings us another story about a caregiver stealing from an elder. San Francisco police detectives arrested Niumai Lawanivalu, 48, from Santa Rosa for allegedly stealing more than $138,000 from her 83 year old client.
This is another example of why it is so important for family and guardians to complete full in-depth background investigations on any caregivers hired to work in the home. In this case the family used a referral service to hire Lawanivalu. Shortly after taking the position Lawanivalu approached the family and agreed to work for them directly at a lower rate than what they were paying the service. This should have been a red flag for the family. The family hired Lawanivalu after she told the service she was going on an extended vacation.
Families have to understand that commercial care services and referral services do the absolute minimum background check required by law. These checks are usually not worth the money paid for them. This is especially true if the caregiver is a foreign national just recently in the country.