Cases of Abuse By Home Aides Draw Scrutiny

Thefts, Neglect, Even Killings Underscore Lack of Regulation; Addicts, Criminals on Payroll By PHILIP SHISHKIN Wall Street Journal July 15, 2008; Page D1 Killings by home-care providers remain rare, but they are only the most extreme examples of what prosecutors and advocates for the elderly say is a growing number of cases of abuse, neglect or fraud in which home caregivers take advantage of the frail and the ill. And that's prompting calls for better oversight of an industry that's expanding fast as more Americans age and try to avoid nursing homes. • As employment in home care rises, so is abuse of the elderly who receive home care. • Most abuse cases involve nonmedical aides hired to help around the house. • Many states don't require criminal background checks of home aides. • Older people are sometimes afraid to report abuse.