I have a friend who is 98. She has f/t live in caregivers - usually 2 different people for the week. She is starting to call me several times a week to tell me that items are missing or stolen. In one instance, it appears that a caregiver from a previous company did remove some curtains, however, that was over 4 months ago and I just found out. We have a different company providing care and less caregivers in the house. Now it seems that she is accusing people of stealing her stuff at least once a week. I really do not believe that any items are missing. I have not taken a detailed inventory of her house, it would be impossible - too much clutter. What can I do?
It is very difficult to ascertain what is truth and what is not, but the more accusations the less likely it is true. We know that Elders can be prey, also, to those who are nefarious. It is very difficult to judge these situations.
Because she is a friend and not a relative, I would let her family deal with this. I would notify whoever is next of kin responsible for hiring and paying the caregivers, whoever is her POA, or whoever in her family is the primary one responsible for supervising her. She may be having anxiety issues or if she does have dementia, she may need a doctor visit.