shopping with caregivers

ebplionis

Hi everyone, 

Looking for some quick ideas on a mini problem I've been having.  My mother has a new, very nice caregiver that likes to take her out for walks in the neighborhood.  My parents live in a fairly urban environment so there are lots of shops and restaurants, and the caregiver has been purchasing my mother food with her own money.  My parents have plenty of money, but are no longer in charge of their finances due to inappropriate spending.  

I'd like to encourage the walks and outings, and even purchases because this is something my mother misses dearly and I cannot provide on a frequent enough basis.  But the caregiver really shouldn't be spending her own money when my parents technically have enough, just no access to it.  

Do others have caregivers take their LO's out shopping?  How do you handle the money factor?  I'm both trying to avoid my mother getting a hold of any money, as well as prevent stealing. I know this sounds awful but while this new caregiver is wonderful we have unfortunately had things stolen in the past, so I am extra cautious.  

Mom's Baby

Who is in charge of their money now? If it's not you, I'd ask that person for a weekly allowance you could give the caregiver to take your mother on these outings. If they have plenty of money, this should not be an issue.

star26

I did a couple things:

1. I added a bonus dollar amount to the caregiver’s regular pay (in cash/check so not taxable) to cover past expenditures. (I just guessed at the amount and padded it a bit.) 

2. I hid an envelope of cash in the house where only the caregiver and I could access it. She left receipts in the envelope or noted on the envelope how much was spent and where. You can ask for receipts or accountings of how the money was spent by explaining that YOU as POA are required to do financial accounting of everything (so it doesn’t seem like you have any mistrust of the caregiver.) 

3. This doesn’t pertain to going out, but I told the caregivers to write any foods that THEY wanted in the house on the grocery list. Sometimes they would share their own food with my Dad, or even if they didn’t, I still wanted them to feel welcome to eat the food in his home. 

loveskitties

Perhaps talking with the care giver and letting him/her know that you really appreciate the gesture and want to reimburse for the expenditure.  

Asking for a receipt and then making sure to get that into the weekly check.  That way you not only even things out, but also give the care giver a little extra by treating him/her to lunch.

Cynbar

Leave some cash in the house for the caregiver to access, later leaving a receipt or even a notation as to the amount. We can't be talking a lot of money here, I doubt they're going to fine dining, Possible theft of large amounts is a concern, as is access to funds such as an ATM card, but I think small amounts are not anything to lose sleep about (especially as these outings seem to give your mom pleasure.) Talk to the financial manager to make it happen.