I’m 70 and have Alzheimer’s. My son’s girlfriend put $750 worth of lottery tickets on a credit card I gave him. What can I do?

Core Points - The article discusses the issue of elder financial abuse, particularly focusing on a case where an elderly individual is being exploited by their son and his girlfriend, highlighting the emotional manipulation involved [1][2][9] - It emphasizes the importance of setting up legal protections such as trusts and powers of attorney to safeguard the financial interests of elderly individuals, especially those suffering from cognitive decline [4][5][6] Group 1: Elder Financial Abuse - Elder financial abuse can manifest through emotional manipulation and exploitation, as seen in the case where the son threatens to withdraw love if financial actions are taken against his girlfriend [1][9] - Approximately 10% of individuals over 65 experience some form of abuse, with higher rates in long-term care facilities [8][9] - The National Institute on Aging identifies signs of financial incapacity, including difficulty with basic financial tasks, which can indicate a need for intervention [7] Group 2: Legal Protections - Establishing a marital trust with a spendthrift clause can help manage assets and provide for future needs while protecting against exploitation [4] - Setting up durable power-of-attorney documents is crucial for ensuring that decisions can be made on behalf of the elderly individual when they are incapacitated [5] - A living trust can help avoid probate and set conditions for future financial support, which is essential for those with cognitive decline [6] Group 3: Preventive Measures - Freezing accounts with major credit bureaus can prevent unauthorized access to financial resources, protecting against potential exploitation [10] - It is advised to report suspected elder abuse to adult protective services or law enforcement to address the issue promptly [9]