Warning Signs That The Elder Needs Help Handling Money

Even though the subject is difficult, it is critical to be on the alert for common danger signs that an elder is "slipping" and needs someone to step in and take over with money.  Some warning signs include:

1.    The elder has forgotten to pay an important bill and you notice collection letters or dunning notices in the elder's mail.

2.    The elder has neglected a part of daily life which she or he has always attended to in the past.  Decreased ability in keeping house, personal grooming, maintaining the yard, putting gas in the car, or other forgetting can alert you to the fact that something has changed from what was usual.

3.    The elder forgets that you were coming to visit, even though you called with a reminder just before the visit.

4.    Marked weight gain or loss, which can be a sign of depression or other mental health or physical problem.

5.    The elder is spending money on things he or she does not need and normally would not want.  Odd-appearing changes in spending can be a sign of loss of ability to make safe decisions.

6.    The elder is getting telephone calls and items in the mail asking for money and he or she is inclined to write a check or give money to all of them.

7.    The elder gives personal information to strangers on the telephone or at the door, sometimes including bank accounts or credit card information.

8.    The elder has made a new "friend" who calls or visits often, and whom you find out has persuaded the elder to give money to him.

9.    The elder is isolated, has limited transportation, and has a lack of social networks from which to draw companionship.

10.The elder has recently lost a spouse.

All of these warning signs, and more, can suggest that the elder is vulnerable to financial loss, manipulation, or abuse.