

Lea sobre este tema en español.Smart financial management starts with financial templates You can also contact the State consumer protection office or Area Agency on Aging office. If you think a person with Alzheimer’s may be the victim of a scam, contact your local police department. Things that belong to you or the person with Alzheimer’s, such as clothes or jewelry, are missing from the home.The person has signed legal papers (such as a will, power of attorney, or joint deed to a house) without knowing what the papers mean.The person’s home is sold, and he or she did not agree to sell it.


Look for signs that the person with Alzheimer’s may be a victim of financial abuse or fraud: Health scams such as ads for unproven memory aids.Phony offers of prizes or home or auto repairs.Telephone, email, or in-person scams can take many forms, such as: Sometimes, the person behind the scam is a “friend” or family member. People with Alzheimer’s may be victims of financial abuse or scams by dishonest people. For more information, see Legal and Financial Planning for People with Dementia. You can also ensure that the person finalizes trusts and estate arrangements. You can get consent to manage the person’s finances via a durable power of attorney for finances, preferably while the person can still understand and approve the arrangement. It’s important to handle the transfer of financial authority with respect and understanding. To prevent serious problems, you may have to take charge of the person’s financial affairs through legal arrangements. Telling the person that it is important to learn about finances, with his or her help.Minimizing the spending limit on credit cards or having the cards cancelled.Giving him or her small amounts of cash or voided checks to have on hand.You can help the person with Alzheimer’s feel independent by: Many older adults will be suspicious of attempts to take over their financial affairs. This can protect the person from becoming a victim of financial abuse or fraud. Money missing from the person’s bank accountĪ family member or trustee (someone who holds title to property and/or funds for the person) should check bank statements and other financial records each month to see how the person with Alzheimer’s disease is doing and step in if there are serious concerns.Lots of new purchases on a credit card bill.The person may be afraid or worried when he or she talks about money. Look for signs of money problems such as trouble counting change, paying for a purchase, calculating a tip, balancing a checkbook, or understanding a bank statement. Or, the person may not realize that he or she is losing the ability to handle money matters. As the disease gets worse, the person may try to hide financial problems to protect his or her independence. In fact, money problems may be one of the first noticeable signs of the disease.Įarly on, a person with Alzheimer’s may be able to perform basic tasks, such as paying bills, but he or she is likely to have problems with more complicated tasks, such as balancing a checkbook. People with Alzheimer’s disease often have problems managing their money.
