Money, gifts & the client's finances

Never borrow, lend, or accept money or valuable gifts; never be added to accounts, cards, or wills; keep receipts for every purchase you make with the client's money. These rules protect your certification — financial exploitation allegations end careers.

1. 1Shopping for the client: take a list, pay with their method, return receipt AND exact change every time, log it simply (date, store, amount).
2. 2Gifts: decline warmly — 'It means a lot that you'd offer, but I'm not allowed to accept it. Your kind words are plenty.' Small holiday tokens: follow your agency's written policy.
3. 3Never: use the client's card for yourself (even 'borrowing until Friday'), sign checks, know their PIN, be a will beneficiary, sell them anything, or bring family businesses into the relationship.
4. 4If the client insists on giving money or adding you to documents, report it to your supervisor — for your protection and theirs.
5. 5If money or valuables go missing while you work there, report it immediately yourself — being the one who reports protects you.
6. 6See financial exploitation BY OTHERS? That's a mandatory report (EndHarm 1-866-363-4276).