Where to help

Posted by marketlink @marketlink, 3 days ago

I just need to vent tonight. My hubby has MCI and is starting to really struggle with his electronics. We had switched banks a few months ago and I was keeping the old accounts open so I could refer back to the statements. Yesterday my hubby locked himself out of our online account for forgetting his password. He couldn’t give the right info to customer service over the help line and they denied him access. He got mad, drove to the branch and closed down all the accounts including our joint account. Today he’s locked himself out of our TV providers app, been unable to do an amazon return and now he can’t download new photos our daughter just sent us. If I offer to help I get yelled at. I know it’s the disease but it’s so very hard to watch and … so hard to get yelled at for trying to help. I’m trying to make our lives simpler but he’s ferociously independent. It just feels good to share with others who understand as I process the emotions. Thanks for listening. 💖

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Wow…right behind you on this…things are not quite that bad here - YET. But closing a checking account without discussing with me…he did that. Never would have done that before. The guy who used to fix computers in his office for everyone now needs my help with his iPhone and logging in to accounts. I’m pretty scared he will click on a scam text or email and we’ll really be in big trouble. Best wishes to you…and I hope you will get some helpful suggestions from others here. There is no manual, but it is comforting to have this place to vent.

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An attorney should be able to provide guidance on getting legal control over the finances. Guardianship is often an option if a person is not competent to handle their affairs properly.

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Same here I am afraid. My hubbie who had built a successful career around his brilliant computers skills now rants and raves all day long about how his computer is no longer working, or how the software has bugs in it because it was so badly written. As a non-computer person I am having to learn fast. I get shouted at for trying to help, often when I can see there is a very simple fix. I have learned to put up an emotional shield and just turn and walk away at those times. A while back when I became concerned about increasing signs of MCI, I started to compile a file containing my husband's log-on’s - just in case he forgot them. So glad I did, it is peace of mind now and it also gives me the option of dealing with our accounts that I never had to deal with before to keep us going. Still learning as we go, and unfortunately I know it is going to get harder. I admire the strength, courage and tenacity of everyone who posts here!

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Profile picture for rising @rising

Same here I am afraid. My hubbie who had built a successful career around his brilliant computers skills now rants and raves all day long about how his computer is no longer working, or how the software has bugs in it because it was so badly written. As a non-computer person I am having to learn fast. I get shouted at for trying to help, often when I can see there is a very simple fix. I have learned to put up an emotional shield and just turn and walk away at those times. A while back when I became concerned about increasing signs of MCI, I started to compile a file containing my husband's log-on’s - just in case he forgot them. So glad I did, it is peace of mind now and it also gives me the option of dealing with our accounts that I never had to deal with before to keep us going. Still learning as we go, and unfortunately I know it is going to get harder. I admire the strength, courage and tenacity of everyone who posts here!

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What does MCI stand for?
I see it a lot on this support group that people have.

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Profile picture for rising @rising

Same here I am afraid. My hubbie who had built a successful career around his brilliant computers skills now rants and raves all day long about how his computer is no longer working, or how the software has bugs in it because it was so badly written. As a non-computer person I am having to learn fast. I get shouted at for trying to help, often when I can see there is a very simple fix. I have learned to put up an emotional shield and just turn and walk away at those times. A while back when I became concerned about increasing signs of MCI, I started to compile a file containing my husband's log-on’s - just in case he forgot them. So glad I did, it is peace of mind now and it also gives me the option of dealing with our accounts that I never had to deal with before to keep us going. Still learning as we go, and unfortunately I know it is going to get harder. I admire the strength, courage and tenacity of everyone who posts here!

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Mild cognitive impairment

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I get it. My wife with MCI can manage only the minimal electronic/digital functions (can barely use the TV remote). Fortunately she does not attempt to do anything on her phone and tablet but play simple games, check email and Facebook. She gets scams all the time (don't we all) and I am fortunate that she will come to me to ask what to do. So I am the fortunate one here. I have very complex passwords on everything and I keep them in a password manager that she has no idea how to use. Part of her early MCI was difficulty with electronic devices and short term memory loss. It has all worsened, but slowly (7 years now).

To @marketlink, I don't know what the solution is to limiting his access to your financial accounts, but he has no business being able to, as he can do much harm, including financial loss. You might need legal assistance to have him declared incompetent and get all accounts in your name only (you can give power of attorney to someone you trust as a backup). I am my wife's POA but mine was given to my son (general POA) and my daughter (healthcare POA).

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