Husband has Alz. I have an aid twice a week. She is suppose to work 10:00-2:00pm. Each time she leaves 15 minutes early. Last week she asked if she could come and work 9:00 to 1. I said ok. I noticed she left 45 minutes early. I called and said "0h I called at 12:15 and you were not there. Her reply was I was in the bathroom. She does not know I have a camera and saw her leave. My issue is I am waiting for Medicaid to approve my husband and then they will send someone or should I fire her now.i feel betrayed and I am paying her for time she is not working and that is not right in my book.
If you didn't hire through a service, fire her immediately. She is dishonest. Don't let her work one more day, or she will probably "help herself" on the way out the door. Just tell her, at the end of her shift, "We won't be needing you anymore." No need to tell her why. (Be home that day. Don't just call her.)
Re the camera, I can see why you wouldn't want to let them know; but is the purpose to "catch" someone? Or is the purpose to make sure your husband is getting good care? If it's the latter, I'd tell them you have a Nanny Cam. If it assures they behave? All the better. Save the recordings, by the way. You never know when they could come in handy.
If the caregiver and your husband go to different parts of the house that aren't surveilled, I might be inclined to keep it quiet. It's really your choice. If you don't want to tell them, just let them know you've called a number of times an hour or so before her shift is up, and she hasn't answered the phone. And you BELIEVE she's leaving early. Might say a neighbor confirmed it if that makes sense in your particular situation.
Best wishes to you, Sheila. Peace of mind is everything. *hugs*