Your mom may not be the most technologically savvy person, but she mastered online shopping quickly. You’re at work and visit each weekend. As you take the recycling out for her, you find dozens of boxes. She’s been on another online shopping spree.

You’re worried. Her charge cards are quickly on their way to being maxed out. She’s buying things she doesn’t need. If you try to approach it, she gets defensive and says it’s her money and her right to do what she wants with it. What do you do?

Look Into True Link Financial

Check with your local bank first. Some private banks may be able to set up services similar to those True Link offers. Your mom gets a debit card that you fund. Once the card is funded, you set up parameters that state where the card can be used. You can set it to only be authorized for buying groceries, paying utility bills, or covering medical expenses. You can set it up to not allow purchases at some or all online stores.

Replace Credit and Debit Cards With Prepaid or Gift Cards

Remove credit and debit cards from your mom’s possession. Replace them with Visa or MasterCard gift cards or prepaid debit cards. Each week or month, add a little spending money to the card. She then has a budget to work with and can spend as she likes. If she tries to exceed the amount, her charge will be declined.

See a Doctor

Make sure your mom sees her doctor. Sometimes, behaviors like excessive shopping are an early indicator of dementia. She can’t remember what she owns and buys more. Feelings of loneliness may also be a reason she’s buying too much. She doesn’t have companionship, so she’s trading her loneliness for objects she thinks will bring her happiness.

Sign Up for Account Monitoring

Get your mobile number tied into your mom’s accounts and sign up for alerts. When she spends money, you’ll get a notification. You may be able to cancel the order before it ships. Account monitoring is also a good way to get alerts if your mom falls for a scam or she becomes the victim of identity theft.

Enlist the Help of a Caregiver

Consider bringing an elderly care professional into your mom’s life. If she has someone to keep her company and prevent boredom and loneliness, she may be less likely to go online and spend money. Learn more by calling an elderly care agency today.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Elderly Care in Lake Park, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at 561­-829­-3080 Today.