When your elderly mother keeps giving money to numerous charities, door to door salesmen and telephone solicitors...

Although this behavior may be disconcerting to families, it is important to respect your elder’s decisions and wishes when they cause no harm.  To determine if this behavior is harmful, a Geriatric Care Manager would explore the following:

Does your mother have a budget; and if so, are these expenditures budgeted for?
Is your mother able to pay all of her bills and living expenses, in addition to these expenditures?
Is your mother receiving the goods and services she is paying for?
 
Even if the answer is “yes” to all of these questions, your concerns are not unfounded.  This is an opportunity to educate your mother about financial scams and get her on ‘no call” lists.  It also serves as an introduction to discussion about budgeting /saving for future needs.

If it appears that your mother is putting herself at financial risk, there are options that need to be explored.  Some would include executing a financial power of attorney, or establishing a Curatorship, to provide oversight or protection of her financial status.

These discussions can be difficult and uncomfortable for families.  A Geriatric Care Manager can provide unbiased advice and guidance to families in these types of situations.