Report says Duluth home care worker charged thousands to client’s bank card

By WDIO

The Minnesota Department of Health says they’ve substantiated a report of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Duluth, and that it was an individual responsibility.

The report claims that a home care worker allegedly used a client’s bank card for personal expenses. At the time, he had been working for Cornerstone Caregiving.

The Department says the worker was responsible for the maltreatment, and took the card on their first day working in the client’s home. The worker then charged over ten-thousand dollars to the client’s account to pay for tuition and online purchases.

They also say the client’s record indicated that a home care agency was hired to assist with daily services due to a recent fall and the client’s blindness, and that the worker provided services in the home a total of three times.

Financial records showed fraudulent bank charges were made out to the worker’s education institution from the client’s account.

Law enforcement say they plan to criminally charge the worker, but they are not in custody as of last update.

We did get a statement from Cornerstone Caregiving, which reads: “Cornerstone Caregiving takes any allegation involving client safety or financial integrity with the utmost seriousness. In addition to an internal review and terminating the caregiver, Cornerstone fully cooperated with the state’s audit, and the office was found to be in substantial compliance. Additionally, Cornerstone took all appropriate steps to ensure the client did not sustain any financial loss. We look forward to continuing to serve Duluth’s seniors with compassion and care.” 

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Report says Duluth home care worker charged thousands to client’s bank card