The Dark Side of Caregiving: The Case of Megan Kelleher and the $120,000 Theft from a Vulnerable Senior

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The Dark Side of Caregiving: The Case of Megan Kelleher and the $120,000 Theft from a Vulnerable Senior

Caretaker Accused Of Stealing More Than $100,000 From Woman In Her Care In Police Custody
A caretaker accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the woman she was supposed to be caring for is now in custody.

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Click here to read Caretaker Accused Of Stealing More Than $100,000 From Woman In Her Care

Click here to read Caretaker stole $120,000 from 73-year-old woman in Drexel Hill, police say

Click here to read Upper Darby woman ordered to pay $30G restitution in theft cases

Kelleher initially turned herself in to police in December 2018 on charges that she stole nearly $120,000 from the bank accounts of a 73-year-old woman she had befriended at her apartment complex between July 2017 and November 2018

Kelleher is also barred from serving as a fiduciary or otherwise handling funds for anyone 55 years of age or older, under the plea deal.

She was initially charged with 750 felony counts of identity theft, one for each alleged ATM transaction she made with the victim’s bank card, as well as felony charges of forgery, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and access device fraud and a misdemeanor charge of possession of access device knowing it was counterfeit or altered.

Click here to read Upper Darby fugitive caught, sees new bail set

SHAME ON HER!

My disabled mom has had caregivers

1. One wanted mom to show her her money. Mom refused
2. One poured bleach all over her dentures. There went $15,000!
3. One wanted mom to pay for her meals and to go out for coffee. She refused the coffee mom had in her house
4. One refused to dust. Mom has Asthma and allergies. The caregiver even put the duster on the floor when mom hanged her the duster
5. One wanted to have mom go out and buy all new clothes and linens so she could take her dirty ones to her house and wash them. Mom told her, "Yes, THIS is a work-at-home job, but NOT at your home."
6. RARELY were any of the caregivers that were sent to her showed up on time, MANY wouldn't show up at all

ALL these caregivers had "passed" their background check from the company that hired them. Well, bad behaviour doesn't show up on background checks. Criminal convictions do

Another caregiver stole 6 pairs of mom's shoes. The police got involved and come to find out the caregiving company didn't even give her a background check

The laws need to be changed to better monitor caregivers and not put your loved one at risk

In the heart of Philadelphia, a heartbreaking story unfolded. Megan Kelleher, a former caregiver, was sentenced to prison after stealing $120,000 from the bank accounts of a 73-year-old woman under her care. This incident sheds light on an unsettling reality: a growing number of vulnerable seniors are victims of caregivers who betray their trust for financial gain. This raises a series of uncomfortable yet crucial questions: Why aren’t family members doing more to monitor the caregivers they entrust with their loved ones? Why aren’t caregivers better screened to prevent such abuse?

While the details of this particular case are disturbing, they aren’t unique. Stories like these happen all too often, and they highlight a significant flaw in the caregiving system. Let’s examine why these tragedies occur, and what families, caregivers, and society as a whole can do to prevent them.

The Vulnerability of the Elderly: A Target for Abuse

Elderly individuals, particularly those who are ill, disabled, or suffering from cognitive decline, are some of the most vulnerable members of society. As people age, they may rely more heavily on others for basic daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This dependency creates an opportunity for caregivers to exploit their power and trust.

In the case of Megan Kelleher, the elderly woman in question likely trusted her caregiver to not only assist with her daily needs but also to help manage her finances if necessary. However, Kelleher took advantage of that trust by using her access to the woman's bank accounts to withdraw substantial sums of money. This kind of exploitation can be devastating for the victim, both financially and emotionally.

The elderly person, often relying on their caregiver to manage their finances, may not be able to notice or track small withdrawals over time. As is often the case with financial crimes like this, it might not be until a larger sum has been stolen or a family member steps in that the abuse is discovered.

Why Aren’t Family Members More Vigilant?

One of the most troubling aspects of cases like this is that family members sometimes don’t notice that a caregiver is stealing from their loved one. This might raise the question: why aren’t family members more vigilant in monitoring caregivers?

There are several reasons why this oversight might happen:

1. Trust in Caregivers:

Families often hire caregivers because they trust them. Whether it’s through an agency or personal recommendation, caregivers are seen as a safe choice. In the case of Kelleher, the elderly woman probably had no reason to doubt her caregiver’s integrity. This blind trust can make it easier for theft to go unnoticed.

2. Lack of Awareness:

In many cases, family members may not be aware of how to monitor a caregiver’s actions or how to check their loved one’s financial situation. This can be especially difficult if the senior has cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia, making them less capable of noticing or reporting suspicious behavior.

3. Distance:

Family members who live far away or have demanding schedules may not have the time or resources to keep a close eye on caregivers. In some situations, a family member might assume that the caregiver is doing a good job and might not be in a position to intervene until it’s too late.

4. Denial:

Sometimes, it’s easier to believe that things are fine than to acknowledge that there might be a problem. Family members may resist confronting their caregiver because they don’t want to think that someone they’ve entrusted with their loved one’s care could betray that trust. In some cases, family members may feel guilty for not providing care themselves and may not want to rock the boat.

Why Aren’t Caregivers Screened More Thoroughly?

Megan Kelleher’s case also raises the issue of screening and oversight of caregivers. If caregivers are properly vetted, would these kinds of financial crimes still occur?

1. Inadequate Background Checks:

While some caregivers are thoroughly screened, others slip through the cracks. Background checks can sometimes fail to flag financial misconduct, especially if the person has no prior convictions. In Kelleher’s case, she might have had a clean record when hired, making it harder for the family to have seen any red flags beforehand. However, it’s not uncommon for individuals who have worked in caregiving for some time to have histories of abuse or other signs of untrustworthiness that simply weren’t detected.

2. Lack of Regular Monitoring:

Even when caregivers are initially screened, there is often no ongoing oversight once they are hired. Many families don’t have systems in place to regularly monitor their loved one’s interactions with the caregiver, including financial transactions. Without periodic checks, caregivers are often left with unchecked access to their patient’s financial resources.

3. Underpaid and Overworked Caregivers:

The caregiving industry is notoriously underpaid, which means many workers are overworked and stretched thin. While this doesn’t justify stealing, it can contribute to a culture of dissatisfaction among workers. In some instances, caregivers may steal as a way to make up for low wages or to cope with burnout.

4. Lack of Regulation:

Unlike other sectors, the caregiving industry lacks a uniform set of standards and regulations. Some states or organizations have more rigorous requirements than others, but there is no nationwide framework for caregiver screening. This lack of regulation makes it harder to ensure that all caregivers meet basic standards for trustworthiness and competence.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Caregiver Theft?

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of caregiver theft and abuse:

1. Increased Monitoring:

Families should consider implementing systems to track and monitor the actions of caregivers, especially when it comes to financial matters. Regularly reviewing bank statements, monitoring the activities of caregivers, and having open communication with the senior’s financial institutions can be crucial.

2. Thorough Screening and Training:

Caregivers should undergo more thorough background checks, including checks for financial crimes, in addition to their standard criminal background checks. Employers in the caregiving industry should invest in proper training that emphasizes ethical behavior, respect for patient privacy, and the importance of trust.

3. Use of Technology:

Technology can also play a role in preventing caregiver theft. Families can use cameras in the home (with the senior’s consent) to monitor caregiver activities. Similarly, setting up automatic financial alerts or using apps that track spending can help family members stay informed about any irregularities in their loved one’s accounts.

4. Increased Awareness:

Finally, increasing awareness among families about the potential risks of caregiver theft is crucial. More education is needed on how to properly vet and monitor caregivers, as well as the signs of financial exploitation.

Conclusion: Protecting the Vulnerable

The case of Megan Kelleher’s theft from a 73-year-old woman serves as a stark reminder that caregivers can sometimes betray the trust placed in them. While families must do more to monitor caregivers, there also needs to be systemic change to ensure that caregivers are properly vetted, trained, and held accountable for their actions. Vulnerable seniors deserve to feel safe, and it’s up to all of us to help create a system that protects them from those who would exploit them.

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