A Farrell woman has been brought from Mercer County to face more serious charges after investigators say they've discovered more money missing from a Brookfield World War veteran she was hired to care for.

Thirty-five-year-old Felicia Splitstone was booked into the Trumbull County Jail on Friday after being arrested by Sharon Police on June 28.

Authorities say the former caretaker is accused of stealing over $10,000 from the 99-year-old man from Brookfield. She now faces a higher felony charge for theft from a person in a protected class.

Police say she admitted to using his credit cards and forging his signature.

According to the National Institute of Aging, each year hundreds of thousands of people over the age of 60 are financially exploited.

One local adult protective service official says there are ways to protect older adults when hiring a caregiver whether through independent agencies or organizations like Direction Home of Eastern Ohio.

Starting with thorough background checks, verifying references, and monitoring finances.

"It is very important that you are checking [the loved one's] bank statements, checking to see [if] the bills are being paid and if they are not [being paid] then that is when you need to start asking questions." Cassandra Valentini, director of communications for Direction Home of Eastern Ohio said. "If you have a checkbook or a bank card, put it in a safe location, do not leave it out so that somebody can grab it."

Valentini says being a voice and staying vigilant can ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable loved ones.