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I do home Healthcare for a 95 year old lady. Her niece, that does not live near us is the one that pays me. She also puts money on a cc in order for me to do the shopping for the household. That includes food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, medications and anything needed to keep the house running smoothly. The niece has the credit card turned off and if I need something I text her, but she's not always available. We go shopping once a month, which is not ideal for me. We have a $500 limit and if we need things like milk or bread and now medications, what am I suppose to do? The niece had told me we went over the limit last week when we bought milk, band-aides and bleach. The month is not over and we need milk. What should I do? In the past, there have been months where I've spent my own money because there was no food, and the niece refuses to reimburse me. She says I need to make more casseroles and budget better. The lady I care for does not eat casseroles, she likes fresh veggies and a variety of lean meals. Fresh fruit is a daily along with yogurt and orange juice and milk. I'm tired of paying out of pocket. Why is the niece denying basic nessecities when there are plenty of funds to provide for such. The cost of food and everything else keeps rising and rising yet I'm dealt this burden and it's stressing me out. How shall I deal with this? I've already mentioned this to her, but she just tells me there are not enough funds. I know the money is there bcz she just sold one of my clients houses for almost $500k. I'm not asking for a Diamond ring, it's milk! What to do?

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If you effectively can not do your job due to restrictions that have been placed you contact the employer (Niece) and give your notice.
I would put the notice in writing (not a text) and send it to her certified.
Give reasons for leaving the job and the date. Make the date as soon as possible do not stay because "she can not find a replacement" on your last day if there is no replacement that arrives you could call APS and report a "vulnerable senior".
By the way I hope paying you has been legal and "above board" and I hope you have been paid well and you have been paid all that you are owed.
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I suggest calling the local county counsel on aging and explaining to them that the POA is not providing enough of the clients funds to pay for the clients needs.

Some people assume POA means they are dictators with the authority to say what will be eaten, when and how. It's a power trip and has serious legal ramifications when abused.

As a caregiver you are a mandated reporter of any abuse, real or suspected, time to report and get this woman the care she needs at the POA level.

Here's the thing, if the lady doesn't have enough money, it is the POAs responsibility to get her on social services so she has enough nutrition throughout the month.
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This should be reported. Like said to office of aging or APS. You should not be paying out of pocket. I think the niece is Aunts beneficiary and trying to hold on to as much money as possible. Again explain to her that prices have skyrocketed. Aunt does not like casseroles. If Aunt is competent she can demand that the niece give her more money to live on. If niece does not come thru then call someone.
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I have really noticed that prices are pretty insane these days as per: groceries and gas. Both things you NEED. I used to feed a family of 7 on $600 a month and now I barely cover the 2 of us for that amount. I know, things change and all--but that was one bill I hoped would lessen. My kids say they spend more than $1000 a month on food and they are not wasteful spenders--that's just for the kinds of things you're wanting to buy.

Your client has every right to want and receive fresh veggies and lean meats for her food. You're right--casseroles are really kind of money stretchers and I personally don't make them anymore--we eat 'fresh'.

Your clients niece is being tight with the dollar, for sure. I imagine that your client could have some pretty expensive drugs she NEEDS and having to choose between eating and taking her meds--that's wrong.

I'd give the niece either a phone call or a text and explain. She doesn't sound like she's unaware of the need for you to have more to spend, and it's not going to CHANGE if she lets you go and hires someone else. She sounds like a real cheapskate with her AUNT'S money. Aunt shouldn't have to BEG to get a decent amount of money for her basic needs!

Are there more family members involved? Sometimes a word in someone else's ear can make things happen. If niece is squeezing every nickel until it screams in the hopes of a bigger inheritance--that's sad (and also very common!)
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Make sure you keep receipts for purchases so you can show her and not be accused of spending money on yourself!
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I would type a letter, include copies of grocery receipts. Be nice in the letter with how much groceries have gone up. Explain you will no longer supplement the grocery funds. If you are on the inclination of leaving , if not remedied, tell her politely… explain good help is hard to find, and give examples of your employable skills..
sounds like she is greedy….
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I work as an appointed fiduciary for several people and also as a POA. I recently gave all caregivers an additional $50.00 month to cover increased costs. I would never tell a caregiver to make more casseroles. That’s being cheap.
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