Are non-professional, non-family caregivers a common thing?

You don't have to be certified to take someone shopping or to dr. appts. I think its a great way to make extra money. As long as her rate is agreed upon by both parties, no problem. I would only be concerned if she took advantage of LO like asking for a loan.

There is someone such as this where my mother is. If I am out of town she is available generally. She has lots of tips regarding doctors etc. I generally take my mother to all appointments but if I really cant this person is generally available and has a very nice disposition.

I have such a person, non-family, non-professional helper who drives and takes my mom out couple of times a week. I pay her a reasonabl fee and she is happy. My mother is happy. I am happy to get a break. My children are happy to get a break from crazy grandmother.

I am so glad to have her help.

I would be a little worried, but that's just me.
some people aren't so honest. I don't know what you could really do tho.
besides some sort of background check.
I know I have gone to my county courts website and ive looked up arrest records, probate records etc.
you sound concerned since you are here asking...

May I just add...not to add to the concerns and paranoia...but you can only do so much. For instance, in my role I at time am in a hiring position...I'm the one the applicants have to get past, and my attitude is they better be good enough to take care of my own family...and I mean it. Yes, we check references, for relevant and steady work history, and if offered the job, in our state (OH), a criminal background check is required, both FBI and BCI. So that means there is nothing in their PAST, but it doesn't mean something could not happen in the future. So here I am, also in a caregiving role, and I have often considered having someone in...although my mother would most likely fight us on it...but the thought of someone being in the house unsupervised is unsettling to ME. We're so overwhelmed and preoccupied I'm afraid if something were to go missing, would we notice? And sometimes it can be something small that isn't noticed for months. My aunt lives in an assisted living with housekeepers on the staff. When my aunt was in rehab someone (with some suspicion by management/history becoming known) got into her unit and stole some items. So if you have anything of value I'd get a locking box (a big one so it can't be slipped out) and/or give the valuables to another family member.

I hate to be a "wet blanket", but if the woman is paid being, her services might be construed as being "for hire", putting her in a professional driver category. That raises the issue of her liability for accidents, as well as possibly a commercial driver's license.

If the person had a car accident, the insurance issue might become prickly if he/she hadn't told the insurance company the car is used to make money.

I've though on and off about taking other elders on grocery trips with my mother, and charging them. But the thought of being in an accident while with them makes me shudder!

I used 3 such companions. I never had them drive my L.O. anywhere as it wasn't needed. My friends had many that fit this description serve as aides, both live in and occasional. We've not had problems. Possibly VERY lucky but we did have good references on all of them.

Thanks for the answer, all. As with a few other posts here, I'm asking primarily to confirm my own thoughts, which run toward being trusting of people. It's my sister who is suspicious of everyone, imagining anyone who helps our mother as someone who will steal her money. She is also insistent on a helper being licensed and, if she talks to mom about medical issues, an expert in medicine. Of course, neither of us as children have such expertise either, and in addition, live far from our mom.

While I have a few concerns, I will likely constrain my actions to monitoring her checking accounts on line and just keeping in touch. I supposedly still have POA but have no documentation for that and will ask her about it.

My mother fortunately has a wonderful lady from church who takes time out of her busy week 2-3 times a week to take mom lunch; buy her groceries and takes her to doctor/hair appointment! We've become friends because of her relationship and loving attitude toward my mother! I even gave her a credit card to use on mom's behalf (for groceries, hair appointments, etc.) I found out early on that she is completely trustworthy and is the most wonderful person I've ever met. Every now and then you find a jewel...this lady is an angel as far as I'm concerned.

Mom has a lot of mental problems and was abusive toward me last Summer - I can't be around her much as we end up arguing just about every time -her words are hurtful and she has dementia so doesn't remember much about her circumstances. Some days are good some are not...last week she was really far out there - this week better - but more critical of nice people who want to help her...it's very hard to deal with...but the answer to your question is 'YES' wonderful people are out there! When there are such people appreciate them for all their worth.

I also send this wonderful caring lady a check every month - it's far from enough to reimburse her for her time/caring - but it's the best we can do and it hopefully gives her a little spending money that she otherwise would not have.