D6

By Jen Skerritt
The Canadian Press

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A disabled Winnipeg woman wants officials to do better screening of home-care workers after an aide stole nearly $6,500 from her bank account.

Liezl Banayos, a former home-care worker, was convicted in provincial court this week of theft. She was given a 12-month conditional sentence that includes 100 hours of community service and a psychological and gambling abuse assessment.

Banayos, 34, who worked for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, was fired this spring. The victim said Banayos has given the money back.

The victim, a blind woman who uses a walker, was horrified in January when she discovered her savings were depleted.

She often gave her bank card to Banayos during routine trips to the grocery store, but said she had no idea the worker withdrew up to $800 at a time from ATMs and pilfered her client's modest savings over a two-month period.

Health officials confirmed the incident is not unique - about five home-care workers were either fired or suspended in 2007 amid allegations of theft.

Since July, health officials investigated two allegations of theft against home-care workers. While one investigation was inconclusive, one home-care worker was fired.

"She took advantage of our friendship, our trust," said the victim, who did not want to be identified. "They have to screen (workers) better."

The Winnipeg health authority does criminal record checks on every employee. There are about 2,800 workers in its Home Care program that do everything from making meals to changing surgical dressings.

The health authority investigates allegations of theft internally. Winnipeg police do not alert the health authority if one of its employees has been charged with a crime, and it is up to the home-care client or their relatives to report any irregularities or problems.

Eric Barnaby, human resources director for the health authority, said in light of the recent conviction, it will require all home-care employees to sign a form that clarifies what they're not allowed to do on the job, including handling client money.

Home-care clients can request new workers if they are unhappy with the service, and shouldn't be afraid to report any problems, Barnaby added.

Home-care workers aren't bonded, and the health authority's insurance doesn't necessarily cover financial losses suffered by a home-care client.

Harry Wolbert, co-chairman of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities, suspects there are many incidents of home-care theft that are never reported.

Vulnerable home-care clients may be afraid to come forward out of fear of retaliation, he added. He believes home-care workers should be bonded to better protect clients and officials need to find a better system to track and report home-care incidents.