I am a bit shocked at the recent turn of events with mum and money matters and thought I would "warn" others who like me may be thinking of opening a joint a/c with an AZ sufferer with the best of intentions to assist with bill paying. In Nov Mum was in a right state - lost 3 cheque books, 2 purses with bank cards and shouting that her grandson had stolen £500 in cash. I went up (200 miles alas) calmed things a bit and even found the £500 stuffed in a cupboard (alhough she still says he has it!). Mum has always trusted me 100% so I suggested putting my name on her Bank Account so I could deal with the bills as she just isn't able to write cheques now. Most bills are on direct debit anyway and all went okay until last week when I got a phone call from the Bank to say that Mum had instigated a fraud enquiry on her Bank account saying that evil daughter (me) had misappropriated lots of money from her account. I was very shaken and can not describe how frightening and grubby this felt. The Bank took her concerns at face value as they have to but eventually realised she was having difficulty taking in what was being said and the implications of involving the police. I went up to visit and called at the Bank and showed them photocopies of the 5 grocery and 6 milk bill cheques I had written. The worst thing is that mum doesn't even remember what happened at the Bank now and I didn't want to spoil my visit by raising the matter (how ridiculous is this?). The visit did sour a bit at the end as we went to the Bank and she took out £100 for going out with her grandson but by the time I was leaving next day she had hidden the cash away and is now maligning me on the phone for having taken it!! I would never ever have thought that my Mum would turn so badly about money and that it would feel so dirty being accused. Anyway my advise to anyone nursing a joint account arrangement is to keep full records and be ready to brace for impact at some stage. Unfortunately I don't have power of attorney and mum's doctors say that it will have to be the guardianship route through the courts. I can't face this just now but am concerned that the current situation is a little unsafe. My concern is that she will just close the account, walk out of the bank with a substantial amount of cash and loose it. The places she stuffs keys are unbelievable - the inner cardboard tube of a roll of greaseproof paper - what hope have we of finding things. It is exasperation and distressing to see.
Okay, Pebbles signing out.
Okay, Pebbles signing out.