Dealing with dishonest aid. Any advice?

I have to ask, another post of yours you are planning a cruise for thentwo of you, all while waiting for Medicaid to be approved for your husband? Something seems off here.

You go, girl!!!!!

Best wishes to you, Sheila. Peace of mind is everything. *hugs*

Thanks Maggiemarshall. I took your advice and called the agency and fired her today. I feel so much better

Before I answer you, I'd like to make a suggestion. If you have a stranger in your home while you aren't at home, do you secure your personal papers, checkbook, records, jewelry, etc., etc.? We occasionally have professional caregivers for my mom, and we installed two thumb locks on both bedroom doors....same key...we secure some cash we have at home, my jewelry, some silver Tom has, all of our checkbooks, all mom's medication except for what she needs that day that the caregiver has to administer, a handgun, and other important valuables. If you aren't doing that? You should.

Re the camera, I can see why you wouldn't want to let them know; but is the purpose to "catch" someone? Or is the purpose to make sure your husband is getting good care? If it's the latter, I'd tell them you have a Nanny Cam. If it assures they behave? All the better. Save the recordings, by the way. You never know when they could come in handy.

If the caregiver and your husband go to different parts of the house that aren't surveilled, I might be inclined to keep it quiet. It's really your choice. If you don't want to tell them, just let them know you've called a number of times an hour or so before her shift is up, and she hasn't answered the phone. And you BELIEVE she's leaving early. Might say a neighbor confirmed it if that makes sense in your particular situation.

Should I tell the agency I have a camera. They may tell the next person and I do not want them to know in case they do the same thing.

Did you hire this aid through a service? If so, request a replacement. Tell the service that you video monitor the house and know she was leaving early.

If you didn't hire through a service, fire her immediately. She is dishonest. Don't let her work one more day, or she will probably "help herself" on the way out the door. Just tell her, at the end of her shift, "We won't be needing you anymore." No need to tell her why. (Be home that day. Don't just call her.)