Hello I am new here and looking for advice please. My Mum has dementia; I have PoA for health and finances. My Mum is now in a care home and my Dad remained at home until sadly he passed away. He was mentally fine but physically incapacitated due to several strokes. My parents carer controlled their money, despite my having PoA. I live at the other end of the country so I'm not on hand. I recently discovered that literally thousands of pounds had been withdrawn in tranches of £300, often amounting to £2000 in a week, and appears to have been ongoing some time even after my dad passed away. I confronted the carer who said my dad wanted her to have the money. I don't think he was aware of the extent of this because he asked his NHS nurse to buy him everyday items as he thought all his money had been spent on my mum's care. I am wondering where I stand legally because the carer used my mums bank card to withdraw cash (although it was a joint account with my dad) . I gave her no authority to do this. It's all a mess, I'm emotional and just wonder if there is anyone else who has experienced this.
Mum is being financially abused by carer
- Thread starter DIYGirlz
- Start date
I don’t have direct experience of something this severe but I want to offer some support until someone better comes along! How awful for you and what a terrible impact on your mum.
This sounds to me like you need legal advice. The police should probably be involved but if it wS me I’d start maybe with Citizen’s Advice Bureau. The sooner you do that, the sooner you will be able to feel better, that’s my experience anyway.
This sounds to me like you need legal advice. The police should probably be involved but if it wS me I’d start maybe with Citizen’s Advice Bureau. The sooner you do that, the sooner you will be able to feel better, that’s my experience anyway.
@DIYGirlz, welcome to Dementia Talking Point. That sounds a total nightmare and I hope you've now blocked your mum's card at the very least. I'm sure others who have experience of this will be along shortly but I would phone the police as this is a criminal offence. Was the carer employed by a company, as I would also contact the company and let them know what is going on?
Maybe it might be an idea to contact the Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 3456 or dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk tomorrow and ask their advice.
Maybe it might be an idea to contact the Dementia Connect support line: 0333 150 3456 or dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk tomorrow and ask their advice.
Agree see CAB.
Bear in mind that when your dad died the joint account became a sole account in your mum's name, none of the money belonged to your dad.
Although it can be argued that your dad with capacity was free to give money to the carer (this was most likely not allowed if they were working for an agency) this informal arrangement came to an end at his death.
The carer was taking money out of your mother's account without permission.
Bear in mind that when your dad died the joint account became a sole account in your mum's name, none of the money belonged to your dad.
Although it can be argued that your dad with capacity was free to give money to the carer (this was most likely not allowed if they were working for an agency) this informal arrangement came to an end at his death.
The carer was taking money out of your mother's account without permission.
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There are a number of potential issues here including bank rules on use of cards by third parties, possible fraud, a carer accepting or helping themselves to 'gifts' in breach of agency rules, and (as your mother was not in a position to give her permission) acting without the permission or knowledge of the account holder. Saying that your dad wanted her to have the money doesn't seem to justify the carer in taking the actions that you describe.
It is a complex matter and the above are just my initial thoughts as a layman. Some or none of what I have said may be relevant. You really need to obtain a qualified legal view based on all known facts @DIYGirlz
It is a complex matter and the above are just my initial thoughts as a layman. Some or none of what I have said may be relevant. You really need to obtain a qualified legal view based on all known facts @DIYGirlz
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Get all the paper work and contact the police.
It appears to be theft and needs to be investigated.
It appears to be theft and needs to be investigated.
