Save your relatives from falling prey

THE Alzheimer’s Society warns that people with dementia can be more vulnerable to financial scams and tricks.

Emma Bould, of the charity, says: ‘If you or a relative is diagnosed with dementia, it’s a good idea to think about measures to make sure your money – or theirs – is safe in the future.’

Here are some key tips from the charity – and Jenny’s daughter Sarah.

Opt out of receiving unwanted mail and phone calls through the Mail Preference Service and Telephone Preference Service. Ask your local authority for a sticker asking for no door-to-door salesmen or junk mail.

Set up a lasting power of attorney. This allows family to manage bank accounts and other services on their behalf.

Redirect post. Attorneys can arrange this in ‘special circumstances’ for about £100 a year.

Monitor online activity. Ask your relative’s permission to moni tor their email and i nternet searches.

Consider reducing balances on current accounts and perhaps put money in harder to access savings accounts. Set limits on credit cards and overdrafts.

Keep good records, including bank statements and bills.

Consider using an Alzheimer’s Society visitors book. This is a special note book for the person to include details of visitors or callers with their name, organisation, job, telephone number and reason for contact or visit.

Run background and reference checks on any people employed in the dementia sufferer’s home.

It is worth remembering that even if someone has signed a contract from a seller in their home, in most cases they have 14 days to change their mind. This is known as a ‘cooling-off’ period.