TUCKER, Ga. -- Police said a caregiver confessed to stealing more than $100,000 from an elderly Tucker woman.

According to DeKalb County investigators, Patricia Ngando, 49, was trusted by the 90-year-old woman she cared for and the woman's family.

Ngando was so trusted, police said, she had total access to the woman’s home and finances.

Investigators said Ngando took more than $169,000 from the victim, while Ngando said it was only $140,000. Ngando will spend at least three years behind bars, authorities said.

CBS Atlanta tried to talk with Ngando Monday evening, but she slammed the door to her southeast Atlanta apartment in the reporter’s face.

The victim's family also did not comment.

Georgia Rep. Sharon Cooper said a caregiver took thousands of dollars from her 85-year-old mother, who lives out of state. The experience made Cooper want to warn other families.

“The people who are truly caring, there's nobody finer. They deserve stars in their crown. But you don't know when you're going to get that bad apple,” Cooper said.

Cooper said she plans to explore how lawmakers can help protect families as baby boomers get older.

“I will do anything to help elderly people to prevent elder abuse. Taking their money is elder abuse,” Cooper said.

Cooper advised adult children to get power of attorney over their parents before it's too late and they've already lost their mental bearings.

She would also advise never giving caregivers access to the bank accounts and also recommends contacting the Georgia Department of Aging if you have any issues with a caregiver you have hired.