Niece who stole from uncle, 88, spared jail
But instead of paying bills and buying things he needed, Handysides "used it as her own" and led a "nice lifestyle on the proceeds of the thefts".
The 56-year-old, formerly of Bodiam Road, Sunderland, denied four charges of theft and claimed the cash had been given to her as a "gift".
After a trial at Newcastle Crown Court last year, jurors found her guilty of three of the offences. She was cleared of one charge in relation to a further £600.
Mr Recorder Jeremy Barnett has now sentenced Handysides to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.
The judge told her: "I don't think there is any useful purpose to be served in sending you to immediate custody."
He added: "I can only conclude you thought you were in some way entitled to steal the money but that just doesn't work.
"What you did was wrong. The jury had no doubt and no hesitation, in my view, in convicting you. They rejected everything you had to say."
The judge said the delay in the case reaching conclusion and Handysides' personal circumstances, which include caring for other family members, meant the sentence could be suspended.
He said the ability of the victim to cope with what happened was also a factor in his considerations.
The judge said: "He was a feisty individual, he was impressive as a witness, which is no doubt the reason why the jury convicted you.
"They accepted every word of what he had to say. I hope he is well."
Nick Lane, defending, said Handysides, who "maintains her innocence" has been in no trouble before or since the offences and is a low risk to the public.
Mr Lane said Handysides has a long history as a care worker and must have looked after "hundreds of people" without problem.