Reducing financial scams risks for dementia patients Page Article Dementia affects memory and decision-making abilities, making financial management challenging for those affected. Often, they may not recall, report, or even realize the occurrence of abuse, which can happen in various environments, including homes and care facilities.Statistics reveal that individuals aged 80 and above lose an average of $39,200 annually due to fraud. Financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse, yet it's seldom reported.Recognizing signs of financial abuse is crucial for prevention. These signs include:Neglected bills.Unusual or significant purchases.Utility disconnections due to non-payment.Donations to telemarketers or solicitors.Unjustified bank withdrawals.Caregivers can adopt several strategies to safeguard dementia patients from financial abuse and scams, ensuring they play a role in implementing these protective measures.These strategies include:Setting credit card spending limits.Registering on DoNotCall.gov to block telemarketing calls.Enrolling in automatic bill payments.Setting up alerts for banking withdrawals, large credit card transactions, or any other unusual banking activities.Monitoring e-statements for unusual spending patterns.Requesting credit card companies to halt sending promotional checks and opting out of marketing offers.Establishing a separate account with a limited fund for the patient's leisure and social expenses.Regular financial reviews by family members or financial professionals to detect any irregularities early.Consider the role of legal tools like power of attorney, guardianship, or trusts in protecting the financial interests of dementia patients. These legal measures can provide additional safeguards by appointing a trusted individual to oversee financial matters.Educating caregivers and family members about the signs of financial abuse and the common scams targeting the elderly. Awareness can play a significant role in prevention.Consider support groups and resources available for caregivers and families dealing with dementia. This could include contact information for relevant organizations and hotlines.Consider the use of technology, such as apps or software designed to monitor and manage the finances of dementia patients, could be a valuable addition.Stay informed about the latest scams targeting the elderly, as scammers often change tactics, can help caregivers stay ahead of potential threats.