Mira,
Maids are mostly like that - when we are not around they will tell sad tales to the old folks asking for sympathy.
So being old folks, they will take pity on the maid and will tend to side with them.
But for me, I have already told my mum that she must not spoil the maid even behind our back. Yes, you can treat her good, let her have good food but dont overdo it and let the maid have bad feelings against us.