SAN JOSE – Serving Seniors Care, a home care agency based in Daly City, has been fined $100,000 for placing unscreened aides, some with criminal records, with elderly and disabled clients. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office filed a first-of-its-kind consumer protection lawsuit, resulting in the penalty. Prosecutors revealed that the agency failed to obtain the necessary clearances for dozens of aides before assigning them to clients. False statements were also made on the agency’s website and in client agreements regarding proper screening of their aides.
According to state law, home care agencies are required to ensure that aides are cleared on the California Department of Social Services home care aide registry before being placed with clients. This clearance process involves fingerprinting and a criminal history check, with individuals convicted of any crime being prohibited from serving as aides.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized the importance of home care organizations adhering to the law when hiring employees, as placing unscreened individuals in homes puts vulnerable elderly and disabled citizens at risk. The violation came to light after an aide from Serving Seniors Care allegedly stole a substantial amount of money from an elderly client in Palo Alto. The case is currently pending. Additionally, the district attorney’s office discovered another incident where a different aide allegedly stole money from a client in another Bay Area county.
As a result of the civil complaint, the court ordered Serving Seniors Care and its owner to pay $100,000 in civil penalties for unfair competition and false advertising. The agency was also instructed to comply with the Home Care Services Protection Act and maintain personnel records related to all clearances and placements.