What do you want me to say,
James?
Yes, this has been going on
for a while.
Do I think it’s their fault?
I don’t know. But between Dad’s
memory problems and these
unknown account charges
and now mom saying that
their electricity was almost
shut off...I mean, I’m sitting
here with the same questions
as you okay?
Listen, I just pulled into Mom
and Dad’s so I’ll call you
before the flight alright?
Okay bye.
People with dementia gradually
lose their ability to perform
familiar tasks, like managing
money.
Sometimes these changes happen
so gradually that caregivers
don’t realize that their
loved one is having
difficulty until a serious
financial problem happens.
Samantha!
Hello mom.
Good to see you.
How was your flight?
It was fine.
This was on the porch.
Oh it’s your father’s, put it
in the office.
Would you like something to
drink?
Coffee, please.
Cream or sugar?
Black is fine.
Okay.
We are glad to have you here
with us today as we introduce
this brand new smart phone to
each and every one of you.
I mean, what a way to kick off
the day as innovation is right
here on CSN. We are so excited
to have this brand new smart
phone at a limited time price
of
one hundred and forty nine
dollars! Yes you see
that correctly...
You’re just like your father
with that channel. Mesmerized.
Thanks mom.
You better act now and
purchase one today. I have to
tell you, I personally have
one and I have been so
impressed with the features on
this phone - the large seven-
inch screen. It’s all glass by
the way.
The most durable glass...
Mom, can you come in here
please?
The changes in memory and
judgement that occur with
dementia increase a person’s
risk for making bad decisions
about money.
Caregivers should be aware of
the signs of financial
mismanagement, to prevent
a future crisis, like
unknowingly spending one’s
life savings.
So how are those beautiful
grandkids of mine?
They’re fine but why does Dad
have two of the same camera?
What?
There are two brand new
cameras in that pile.
Mom, this is a five-thousand
dollar camera!
Five thousand?
And it’s the same as this!
Can’t be.
There are at least three of
these cameras here! Mom, I
need to see your credit card
statements!
Headphones.
Tablet.
Jewelry.
Camera lens.
Diamond pendant!
How long has this stuff been
here?
Two thousand dollars.
Mom! How long?!
I don’t know! I...I rarely
come in here!
Well, you do realize there are
tens-of-thousands of dollars
of merchandise in here.
It’s just a few boxes.
No wonder you can’t pay your
bills.
Your father pays the bills.
What?!
That’s why I need your help.
Or somebody’s help. Your
father always paid our bills.
I’m trying, Samantha, but I
don’t know where to begin.
It’s embarrassing. This and
everything is so embarrassing.
Look,
Okay I’m so...I’m sorry.
We’re gonna get you the help
you need, okay? Or I’ll help
you myself. But right now, we
need to talk to dad.
Where is he?
He’s out back.
Well let’s go find him okay?
Financial mismanagement may
not be obvious until it’s too
late. Watch for signs that
the person is having a hard
time managing money like:
Making unnecessary or unusual
purchases
Any Unusual banking activity
Unpaid bills
Giving away money
I’m really having a hard time
okay? Yeah, yeah, it would be
perfect if you could just slow
down a little bit, okay.
I understand, but I don’t
understand why.
Dad, who are you talking to?
I did! I did give you the
numbers.
Dad, who’s on the phone?
I don’t know.
Who is this?!
Who was it?!
Did you give this man your
credit card number?
It’s freezing in here.
Older adults, and especially
people with dementia, are at
risk for financial
exploitation.
Telephone calls, emails, the
Internet, and mailings are
some ways scammers can
contact your loved one, gain
their trust, and then steal
their money or even their
identity. Learn about
common scams to help protect
your loved one against
fraudulent schemes.
I’m going to cancel my flight.
Reschedule.
You don’t have to do that.
You need help, mom.
And we need more information
about how to help Dad and
how to protect the both of
you and your money.
We can start by going to the
bank and we’ll get some stuff
set up there... and then we’ll
just work on the rest together
Okay?
Let’s get Dad inside.
As dementia progresses, you
may have to use a few
preventative measures to
protect the family finances:
Divert mail to a family member
or Post Office Box to prevent
theft of bills or checks and
to keep a closer eye on charges
Cut down on scams and
solicitations by registering
on the “Do Not Call” list at
www.donotcall.gov
Limit the amount of cash your
loved one has on-hand to
prevent overspending.
Provide your loved one credit
cards that are inactive or
have small limits to help
prevent expensive purchases.
Set up automatic bill-payment
so your loved one doesn't have
to remember to pay bills.
Monitor all finances and be
prepared to eventually assume
control of all affairs,
including banking. If you
suspect financial abuse,
report it immediately to law
enforcement or adult
protective services.
Talk with your loved one about
how they want their money
handled when you're first
aware of cognitive changes.
With awareness and preparation
you can prevent financial
mismanagement and abuse.