Violeta Hansen, 47, eventually pleaded guilty to 15 charges including 10 for stealing from a property or dwelling, and asked the judge to take into account another eight for making false statements to pawn brokers and second hand dealers.

Hansen stole precious heirlooms including gold, diamond and sapphire rings, some of which were from deceased family members, between December 2018 and October 2019, from people in Wiley Park, Bexley, Drummoyne and Doonside.

She was subsequently arrested at a Blacktown pawn shop and has already spent 16 days in custody.

Handing down his judgment in Burwood Local Court on Thursday, magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis said the single mother of one's offending could only be viewed as "opportunistic, brazen and discreditable".

"After ingratiating herself with various persons whose care she was tasked to oversee, she exploited a multitude of vulnerable people with significant mental and somatic-related afflictions and disabilities," Mr Tsavdaridis said.

He said they were all aged in their late 60s and 70s with varying illnesses including lung cancer, quadriplegia, prostate cancer and acquired brain injuries.

All required respite care from the various organisations which employed Hansen.

Defence lawyer Peter Kondich said Hansen was ostracised in school and remained isolated for most of her childhood after migrating to Australia at age 12.

But her troubles escalated after the breakdown of her marriage and the father of her child left and was "never to be seen from again".

She likened this re-lived trauma to that of her biological father leaving her at a young age.

Financial difficulties mounted while trying to care for her child alone and she felt unable to reach out for financial help, racking up multiple bills and loans.

He said she fell into a classic trap of "biting off more than you can chew", but dealt with it by "putting her head in the sand".

A psychiatric report later found she was suffering from depression and adjustment disorder.

Mr Kondich proposed an intensive corrections order and said it would satisfy community safety and rehabilitate Hansen's financial mismanagement.

But Mr Tsavdaridis said the abuse of trust and her position required recognition of the "substantial emotional harm" done to the victims and the healthcare community.

Her mother had told Mr Kondich she was shocked when she heard of her daughter's financial hardship and was left sobbing in court while Hansen was handcuffed to be led away.

Hansen was sentenced to a maximum term of 24 months and will be eligible for parole on February 5, 2022.

Australian Associated Press