By Charles B. Inlander

It’s hard enough having to care for a loved one or friend without having to worry about being ripped off by unscrupulous or uncaring providers of services and products for the elderly or disabled. But, unfortunately, exploitation of people in need is all too common.

Here are some tips that will help you be a savvy purchaser of goods and services you and the person you are caring for may need.

• Comparison shop -- No matter what you are buying, shop around. For example, prescription medications can vary by as much as 40 percent among local pharmacies in a given area. They even vary within the same chain – so be sure to call four or five different pharmacies before you make a purchase. The same is true for adaptive equipment, such as lift chairs, walkers, or wheel chairs.
• Check out service providers – Hiring someone to come into the home to help care for a loved one or friend can often be an enormous help--but be careful. Be sure to thoroughly check out the background of anyone you plan to hire. Get at least three references from recent employers. Ask a lot of questions. If you use an agency that provides helpers or aides, ask them if they have done a criminal check on the person(s) who will come into the home. Be especially careful if you are hiring someone “off the books,” meaning you are paying someone without withholding taxes or paying Social Security. About half of all caregivers hired are “off the books” because they often work longer hours for less than minimum wage. However, because this is technically illegal, if something goes wrong, you have little recourse. It can also be very difficult to do a background check on these workers.
• Know who you are buying from. It sounds logical, but quite often unscrupulous hucksters prey on older or disabled people and their caregivers, trying to sell services or products that are of little help. For example, in many areas of the country, sales people go door-to-door supposedly selling special long term care insurance. It sounds good, but often they ask for a $100 deposit and you never see them again. A good rule of thumb is to never buy from anyone who shows up uninvited at your front door. Also beware of people who come to your door offering to make your home more accessible by doing things such as installing railings in bathtubs or putting in ramps. While these are useful and helpful items, you should only use contractors you have checked out with the local Better Business Bureau or have used before. You should never let anyone enter your house unless you know them. Call the police if they persist.
• Get help. You cannot do everything alone. Get help when making purchasing decisions for your loved one or friend. Seek the advice of other family members or ask people from your church or synagogue about where and from whom you might seek services or purchase products. Have someone with you when you go to buy or when you are making a hiring or purchasing decision. Another set of ears and another person to ask questions you might not have though of can make the job much easier and help to ensure that you aren’t going to be ripped-off.