SINGAPORE: A man who was a professional caregiver to two elderly patients admitted on Monday (Dec 29) to taking their bank cards and stealing from them.
Bernales Derwin Soria, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of theft against a vulnerable person and one count of cheating. Both charges were amalgamated.
Five other charges will also be considered at his sentencing next month.
Bernales, a Filipino national, was employed by Aseana Caregivers at the time of the offences.
VULNERABLE VICTIM
One of the victims was an 80-year-old man who suffered from dementia, vascular Parkinsonism and anxiety disorder.
The elderly man could not handle household expenses because he was unable to keep track of his money. Though able to move, he could not maintain personal hygiene and needed help to take medication.
Due to his mental condition, he was unable to protect himself from abuse or neglect and was considered a vulnerable adult under the law.
The victim’s son engaged a caregiver for him and Bernales was assigned to him for several days in late March and early April.
