She's lived alone for 21 years and retired for 5 years. She's been regularly scammed by phone thieves, and we guesstimate she's lost at least $80,000.00 in the last 10 years, but it could be a lot more, we just don't know. She still drives, although has had 2 major accidents (her fault) totaling her cars in the past 4 years. She refuses to let us have control of her checking and savings accounts, though she cusses out the scammers who have robbed her blind. She says, "My dad controlled my life completely for 20 years an my only husband totally controlled me and my money for 50 years and NO ONE, not even YOU, is going to to control me now!!" She gets SS benefits and has a matching amount of retirement income each month. We, the children, know: 1) she will continue to go downhill until she will be forced to ask for help, and 2) sooner or later we or the State will have to step in and take control of her life and personal assets. We're at a loss on how to make the complete switch from being "her kids" to being "her new parents," since she is totally unwilling to work with us in any way to make these needed changes. We're at a total loss on what to do. All we see is that she'll be forced to do something, but will only do so while kicking and screaming. Thank you all for any insight or suggestions you might be able to give us. God bless you.
About a year or so later I found out how. While I was changing car insurance companies and policies for myself, the company I was pursuing and which promotes lower rates, came back with a higher price...higher than the current policy with a different company. He said it was because of the accident I had had about a year earlier. I hadn't had an accident. Upon investigation via the police, found out it was the accident of my mother's. How did her accident get confused with my record? Unbeknownst to me, she or my father had taken information from my driver's license and insurance card in my billfold and provided it to police as being hers.
I was shocked that they went to these lengths. But, it does show how "desperate people will do desperate things." Driving is a big deal to senior citizens. It allows them to participate and stay active. Taking it away is like a slap in the face.
Sounds like LBMac's mother is still feisty, in-control and stubborn. Pushing her to give up some of her control over her life will only aggravate her. Sooner or later, reality will work against her and she may have to be forced to let others do things.
Until then, I would let her do what she wants to do, within reason (of physically hurting herself or others). During this time, by keeping quiet and leaving her alone, she may actually gain trust with you and then later allow you to assist her with some things, such as her finances. If you push too much, she could do some desperate things as my parents did. Could be she's going through a transition now and fighting all the way. (Sort of like when people lose their hearing and angrily deny that the problem is with them.)
I would suggest, keep an eye on her, keep your distance from her finances (a private thing with her), and perhaps gain her trust for possibly later intervention.
In addition, you say that she has had two major car accidents, both her fault, in the
last four years. I'm thinking that she is up there in age and just wondering how she still has car insurance and/or how she has avoided the state demanding that she retake the drivers test in person. Both of those scenarios should be investigated. At this point she could be driving with out a license or insurance.
I would be sick to think my parent had been bilked out of $80.000.00 in the last 10 years. That would be money that could have been used for her care. Aside from that, it clearly sends a message that while she may be enjoying her freedom, she is not making decisions that are in her best interest.
I agree that it is always best that an elder feel they have some control over their life and financial situation, but I don't see your mom as really having any control as she continues to find herself in bad situations.
I don't know the answer, but you need to start somewhere. Talk to your local Area on Aging group. Your mom needs help before she kills herself or someone else.
You need to do some serious checking.
I suspect that your concerns for her are economic.
Where did you get the idea that " we, or the state will have to take control of her personal assets"? ( Not so).
How old is your mother? If she's only been retired for five years, she couldn't be so out of touch with reality that she needs this type (financial) intervention.
Try to protect her against scammers and stay out of her "assets". You'll be doing the right thing.
Without regard for the moment about what might happen, perhaps you would be more successful addressing what is happening. Is she safe to drive? There are rehab places that do driver's testing for people who have disabilities, have recently suffered a medical probelm, or are simply slowing down due to age. Among the things tested is reaction time. If they find someone safe to drive, they may offer some suggestions, such as not driving during rush hour. If the assessment came from a neutral third party, perhaps your mother wouldn't see it as a you-vs-me control issue. I think the driving issue is the number one to address right now.
As she cusses out the scam artists, perhaps you could offer to help her (not to control her). If she never signs anything for over $xx wihtout talking to one of your first, that would greatly reduce the risk of scams. "Oh that deal sounds wonderful! Yes, I definitely want to take advantage of your offer. But I'm going to talk it over with my daughter first. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
You may never have to step in and take total control. And you don't need a complete role reversal until there is no other choice. See if you can gradually play a protective role that addresses the immediate needs.
Good luck to you!