Personal care workers play an essential role in providing care to almost a million Canadians requiring assistance at home. However, a Nova Scotia woman, Patty Naugler, is calling for better oversight in the profession after her late sister, Kathy Newman, was allegedly robbed in her own home. Newman, who had ALS and eventually lost the ability to speak and use her hands and legs, was defrauded by a personal care worker the family had hired. The worker used Newman’s credit and debit cards without her knowledge, resulting in fraudulent purchases totaling $7,000. Newman passed away at the age of 62, and the caregiver, Brittany Ann Rawding, was charged with credit card theft and fraudulent credit card use.
Unfortunately, Newman’s case is not isolated, as three other personal care workers in Nova Scotia are facing charges of fraud over $5,000 in a separate incident. These workers were accused of stealing from a woman with ALS they were assigned to help, who later discovered a large sum of money missing from her bank account. The lack of regulation in the personal care worker profession in Nova Scotia raises concerns about the safety and security of vulnerable individuals who rely on these caregivers for support. The profession requires registration, but there is no regulatory body to oversee and investigate complaints or misconduct.
Kimberly Carter, the president of ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, emphasizes the importance of families being diligent and taking preventive measures when hiring personal care workers. Carter advises individuals to be cautious with their personal information, conduct regular checks of their bank accounts, and actively follow up on any suspicious activities. The government of Nova Scotia, along with community organizations and police, are working to educate the public on how to protect themselves and report incidents of abuse or theft promptly. The province encourages individuals hiring caregivers to conduct criminal record, vulnerable sector, and reference checks on prospective workers to ensure their safety.
In light of the recent incidents involving fraud by personal care workers in Nova Scotia, there is a growing call for regulatory changes within the profession. Patty Naugler hopes that by sharing her sister’s story, she can raise awareness among those who rely on care workers and advocate for improved oversight and accountability measures. Naugler suggests implementing regular checks and screenings for caregivers to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The government, through the Ministry of Seniors and Long-Term Care, acknowledges the need for protective measures and encourages individuals to report any instances of criminal behavior or abuse to the authorities.
Moving forward, it is crucial for both the government and the public to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in need of care at home. By implementing stricter regulations, conducting thorough background checks, and providing education on prevention measures, the personal care worker profession in Nova Scotia can be held to higher standards of accountability. The tragic experiences of individuals like Kathy Newman highlight the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent cases of fraud and abuse within the caregiving industry.
