The Jehovah Witness people have been stopping by and visiting with mom regularly. I'm afraid they are aware of her failing memory and are after her money. What Can I do to protect her?

Poor old Jehovah's Witnesses. Maybe the ones in the US are fiercer than the tame English variety but I've never understood why people are so antsy about them.

An elderly lady of failing powers who is answering the door to callers is vulnerable to exploitation and criminality of all kinds; and threatening JW's is not going to solve the problem. Revising her access to cash and bank accounts and making sure that these are secure is called for. Along with sticking a big notice on the inside of the door reminding her not to open it to unidentified, unauthorised visitors - your local police may be able to provide you with useful material for this.

And yes the question is 8 years old but the problem seems to be eternal :)

This question is 8 years old.

When Parents enter the hospital you can tell them that she is Catholic and only Priest B can see her. No reason for any other religion be in her room. Jaws usually leave pamphlets. See what the Church phone # is and call the minister. Ask him to please ask his visitors not to stop at parents house. You understand that they are trying to do but ur parents have their own Church.

I would call the JW Kingdom Hall or whatever they call it, ask to talk the elder in charge and tell them to stay away from your mother or they will face legal action.

Sounds like it's time to have mom live with a family member or in a facility where she can't be taken advantage of.

Her "failing mind" is only going to get worse.

I would be sure to get an attorney and have new legal documents signed by your mom. After you do that, limit her visitors if you can. The JW's are cunning. The reason I feel that way is that we are going through this with my grandmother. JW's went to her hospital room late at night, after family had gone home for the evening and had her sign a new medical power of attorney removing her only family and putting only themselves on it. Interestingly, my grandmother has had a stroke and can no longer sign her name, but according to them she did so that night.

The following day we had a social worker and chaplain meet with her alone and let her decide without anyone coercing her. She put only her granddaughter, whom she lives with. After the social worker left, they went right back up to her room. Of course, we have to redo her will and financial power of attorney also as we don't know what else they could have had her sign.

That's scary. If your Mom is that vulnerable to individuals who may be trying to pull the wool over her eyes, does she need assitance in daily living, maybe? Hate to even go there, but even if you could prevent the Witnesses from misleading her, she's still vulnerable to anyone else doing the same thing, isn't she? It's not the religion that is the issue, it is her vulnerability to be coerced. If I misunderstood your sharing, I apologize. Please enlighten me if I inadvertently misunderstood. Thanks. Hope your Mom is safe from social predators at all times.

I would be there when the JW's come to visit. I would get their names. If necessary, I would advise the elder protection unit of your state attorney general's office of the issue.

A "no solicitation" sign is useful also.

My next door neighbors are an elderly couple (wife has dementia and husband is WC bound post stroke). Their 2 sons never visit (although they live very close). Anyway . . . I make a point of making sure the CNAs know I know them and I wander on over if I see a stranger at the door. OKAY, I know, I have enough to worry about at my own home but some bad ppl really will take advantage of vulnerable adults and we have to be vigilant.

Good luck to a fellow Catholic!