You are here: Home Day to Day Living Home Health Care ... How To Protect ...
Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

At the beginning, health agency employees are strangers in your home. They are probably honest since they've been vetted by the agency, but this isn't necessarily the case. Plus temptation can do strange things to people.

There are a few simple steps you may take in order protect your financial assets and the contents of your home.

  • Do not discuss your personal finances with home care workers.
  • Know how much cash you have in your home. Periodically check or have someone check that the entire amount is still there. Keeping large amounts of cash in your home may not be a good idea.
  • Do not leave valuables such as jewelry, cash, credit cards, or checks out in plain view. These items are safest under lock and key. If the items are expensive and you're not using them, lock them away in a safe or safe deposit box.
  • If you require assistance in writing checks:
    • Supply checks one at a time on a needed basis.
    • Keep track of your unused checks.
    • Check, or ask a caregiver to check, your bank statements as soon as they are received to be sure no unauthorized checks clear through your account.
  • Do not supply home workers with your credit card. If the use of a credit card is required, ask for help from family members or other trusted individuals. Even if you don't give a home worker your credit card, always check your credit card statements to make certain all the purchases are yours.

  • If a worker will be doing your shopping, always check your receipts.
  • Do not lend money to your health care workers.
  • Do not allow workers to make long distance telephone calls if you pay separately for long distance.
  • Monitor your medications. Pay special attention to drugs such as pain and sleeping medications, or other drugs that have potential for abuse.