Hiring caregivers to give your elder a hand? You've read the advice to lock away items of value, and you should be doing that. Even though most caregivers are honest, we can't tell by looking when a caregiver might be open to temptation. There's no point in making it too easy.

There's another set of items we need to be careful about when caregivers will be coming into the house, particularly if our senior is living alone. Bank and credit card statements are very revealing about what is happening in any household. Caregivers who are making fast and loose with a client's credit and debit cards or checks will be on the lookout for statements that reveal too much. "Forgetful" seniors are often blamed for losing these items when they can't be found.

Get your parents' consent to have all statements sent either to you, so you can bring them when you visit, or have them sent to a trusted friend or neighbor's address, either to hand deliver to your parent or to hold until you visit to help pay the bills.