A former caregiver is accused of stealing more than $30,000 from an elderly Alzheimer's patient.
The suspect is facing 17 charges after allegedly using the victim's credit and debit cards to purchase furniture, clothing, makeup and a trip to the Caribbean, a Durham Regional Police press release said.
Police say the caregiver was hired through an agency to help an 84-year-old Oshawa war veteran with his daily activities.
A member of the elderly man's family contacted police after noticing cash shortages in his bank accounts between October 2007 and May 2008.
The amount of missing funds totalled more than $34,400.
Police say the suspect took the victim to a home-decor store and used his credit card to buy household items.
Police also allege that the suspect wrote extra pay cheques for herself.
Karlene Allen, 44, is charged with eight counts of theft under $5,000, eight counts of fraud under $5,000 and fraud over $5,000.
Investigators urge families to review financial statements of elderly relatives on a regular basis.
