PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — A Palm Beach Gardens woman is accused of working for nearly two years as an unlicensed home health aide while using another person’s identity to care for an elderly assisted living resident, according to police records.
Philena Yolanda Anderson, 56, was arrested on Wednesday after a fraud investigation by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department that uncovered allegations she falsely represented herself as a licensed caregiver while employed through a staffing agency at HarborChase Assisted Living Facility.
Police say the alleged victim was a 96-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson’s disease, a pacemaker, and a history of blood clots, who required daily assistance with bathing, dressing, laundry, and activities. Records state Anderson worked weekday shifts from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing care while pretending to be a certified home health aide.
The investigation began in January after the victim’s family reported concerns that the caregiver assigned through Value Care of Florida was misrepresenting her credentials. Detectives determined Anderson allegedly applied for work using the personal identification and certifications of another woman, allowing her to pass background checks and employment screening…