to catch a thief?????

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Unfortunately, we are concerned about a possible thief among our staff at the small ltc facitilty I work in. we have recently hired some new staff on all shifts. at least one of our elderly ladies has had some money come up missing. Residents and families are of course encouraged to deposit money with front office and only keep a small amount but you know there is always someone who prefers to keep more than the recommended amount of cash with them. does any one know of any ways to possibly ferret out this predator of senoir cash?we have thought about dusting money with flouresenct powder. does any one have any other ideas?i have been in ltc for the past 17 years and and can say this is only the third time in all thoses years i have been aware of this problem. thanks for any help

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I don't have any suggestions, but would like to hear some myself.

A similar situation on my job, is happening.

Won't derail your thread with my details, but I'm sure interested in suggestions on how to catch a thief.

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If you are in management, you could check with your local police and get them involved. The one time I remember it happening (stuff going missing) we involved the police. FYI it was a housekeeper. Good luck.

I'm not counting accidentally leaving my locker unlocked and cash went missing. Though it should not of happened, I kinda felt I was asking for it.KWIM?

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

A few years ago, we noticed money missing from one particular floor.

Everyone felt it was one particular person, but we needed proof.

We got our Security dept. involved. Unknown to any of us, they wired the rooms with cameras. This person then was filmed going in the woman's purse & taking the money. There was no dispute then when she was confronted.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Well, that becomes an issue...IF you are unawares of camera, can't supposed suspect claim legally that it is illegal to film people unawares? I worked in LTC for 3.5 years and many families would leave $ with the act office or bookkeeper, but anyone who left extra money signed paper that agreed that it was on them to keep track....

Now, was money left out on a nightstand? Was it in a drawer where someone would have to hunt for it? Was it under a matress that got changed, money fell out and got bundled with dirty linen(don't laugh, that's happened)? Is there a pattern, with the same staff member responsible for said resident? There's not a lot you can do, but stress the importance of trust to the staff......you are like the second family for a while....

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Specializes in nursing home care.

Look back at when money went missing, who was on duty at time. To prevent/ detect future occurrences, I would make sure resident knows to hide it. May be you could go all detective and plant some money with a note of serial number and then name drop to suspects at different times that 'oh mrs x has money in her purse again...'.

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thanks for al the suggestions.....will let you know how it comes out.....

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
A few years ago, we noticed money missing from one particular floor.

Everyone felt it was one particular person, but we needed proof.

We got our Security dept. involved. Unknown to any of us, they wired the rooms with cameras. This person then was filmed going in the woman's purse & taking the money. There was no dispute then when she was confronted.

Your security department??? In a SNF? No SNF around here has any one remotely assigned to security.

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