It's the last thing any grieving family wants to deal with, a battle over money.
One local family felt they were getting the run-around and they reached out to Help Me Hank for assistance.
Josephine Pennucci was a loving mother and grandmother, the center of her loving Italian family. When her health started to decline, her family knew they needed help.
"We wanted my mom at home with us. She was very very close with us. We're an Italian family. She cooked, she baked, she did everything for us," said he daughter Mary-Margaret Kezlarian.
The family came up with a plan to care for their mother in her one home. They hired Genesis Home Care Services to help in mid-April. Sadly, shortly after they started using the service, Pennucci passed away on April 27. The family had paid more than $2,000 up front for the home care, but per the contract, asked for a refund for the unused portion of the service.
"All I want is my money back. It's my mom's money. My sisters can use it," said Kezlarian when she spoke with Help Me Hank.
Bounced Check, Requests For Help
The family received a check in May, but it bounced when they tried to cash it a few weeks later. They repeatedly asked for another check, but it never came. Eventually, Kezlarian said she couldn't even reach a real person to talk about this problem.
"I've called so many times now and they don't answer," she said.
Finally, after months of frustration, she contacted Help Me Hank for help. The company did answer the phone when Help Me Hank started calling. They sent a new check within hours, but it went to the wrong address. A problem now revealed. A spokesperson for Genesis said the company had mailed three checks, but they kept coming back.
The company could not explain the lack of communication, but apologized for the mixups. Finally, after Help Me Hank intervened, a new cashier's check arrived.
"I am so happy that we have the check," said Mary-Margaret Kezlarian. "I don't think I would have ever got it. Thanks you very much. I really appreciate it."
Genesis Home Care Services declined our request to do an on-camera interview. When you enter into a contract like this one, it's key to keep all the paperwork and also work to get a number where you can contact someone 24/7 if you have a problem.
If you have a problem you think Help Me Hank should investigate, call 313-298-WDIV or email HelpMeHank@ClickOnDetroit.com