Financial Activity

• Activity inconsistent with elder’s ability, such as ATM use by a physically impaired person.

• Numerous new withdrawals, usually in round numbers ($50, $100, $1,000, $5,000 etc.)

• Increased activity on credit cards.

• Withdrawals made from savings or CD’s in spite of penalty assessments.

• Change in account beneficiaries.

• New authorized signers on accounts.

• Elder is confused about recent financial arrangements.

• Change in property title, or new or refinanced loan.

Inheritance & Wills

• Recent change in Power of Attorney for the elder

• Recent change in Will of Trust, when elder is clearly incapable

• Recent change in Will or Trust to favor a new or much younger “friend”

The caregiver warning signs:

• Is the elder now more reluctant to discuss matters that were previously routine?

• Does the elder seem more apprehensive of the outside world – tired or depressed?

• Does the caregiver say the elder is less willing or able to accept visits or calls?

• Does the caregiver seem overly concerned about the elder’s finances?

• Does the caregiver often speak for the elder, even when the elder is present?

• Does the caregiver have no means of support other than the elder’s income?

New friends and professionals:

• Is there a new person involved in the elder’s life, with no logical reason for being there, such as a new boyfriend or girlfriend much younger than the elder?

• Has the elder recently changed their physician, lawyer, or accountant?