Yesterday it became obvious that Mum is no longer able to handle her own banking. I turned up to pick her up for shopping, and as always checked her wallet to make sure she had her eftpos card. She didn't, and she didn't have enough cash for shopping. I asked her where it was and she had no idea, I also noticed her pension card was not where I'd put it in her wallet. She didn't know where that was either. And so began the epic hunt for the card.
I turned her house upside down looking for it, nothing. Found the pension card tucked away in her wardrobe, yes I wondered why it was in there too, but was no point in asking her cause she wouldn't have any idea or she'd claim my brother must of hidden it there. Why he'd want to hide it, or even care about it has me beat.
"Mum when did you last use your card, I know you had it Saturday because I saw it."
"Oh, I used it Saturday."
"No Mum you didn't, you had cash was no need to use the card."
"So why did you say I had it."
"Because you did Mum, but you didn't need it."
"Well that doesn't make sense"
"Mum, just tell me when you last used it."
"Well I lost it, then the man at the bank told me I couldn't have any of my money and he took the card off me and wouldn't give it back."
I found that highly doubtful, especially when there is no men working at her branch.
"We will just have to wait for the bank to open and go and report it lost then."
"Oh okay, where did you put it?"
"Nevermind Mum, we'll go to the bank."
Turns out she had gone to the bank to report it lost on Friday, so they cancelled it and requested a replacement. She had no money in her account, so she was limited to shopping with here $55 in cash, which she did easily as she didn't need much, she wanted a lot just didn't need it and I was merciless.
While in the bank, I spoke to them about what I had to do re Power of Attorney, I realised it was time. I planned to pick it up from the lawyers and take it to the bank, giving me power over her account without her present. So I go to the bank, and apparently, not only did she report it lost on Friday, had it on her on Saturday, she tried to use it in the ATM on Monday and naturally the card got taken. The lady said that she had seemed very confused and thought it was Pension Day. I thanked them both for their understanding and the plan was that I would keep the card when it came and give Mum an allowance, and as they have the Power of Attorney, if she goes into the bank to report her card lost, they know to either contact me, or recommend she call me. She did not know this plan LOL.
Anyway, I'm around there this afternoon, took some clothes around I'd run through my dryer for her, and tackled some of the expired food in her pantry. 3 bags of crap I had to throw out, and I bought 2 back here with me, and her pantry still looks full lol. I was talking to my brother about the card, he'd hid it from Mum when it came, and she comes over and says,
"Cathy, when the new card comes I'd like you to take it for me. I thought that maybe I could have an allowance, and wouldn't have to worry about losing the card again."
Talk about gobsmacked LOL.
"Oh, ummm that's a great idea Mum."
"I was thinking if you gave me $100 a week, so I can still get my coffee and paper and anything else I might need."
And then I thought, she does not need $100 for coffee and a paper everyday, she is obviously still thinking she can go to the shops and buy more shit she doesn't need.
"Mum, I'm thinking $50 will be enough. If you do need anything at the shops, just let me know and I can give you more, or Andrew can get it for you."
She didn't look to impressed with that one, but grudgingly accepted it. Now I know that tomorrow she will have forgotten the whole conversation, but it was wonderful that she suggested it. I knew that I was going to do it anyway, but the whole idea was depressing me no end, and so when she suggested it, and I have my brother as a witness, it made the decision so much easier.
I'm expecting a call asking if I know where her card is any minute now LOL.
Catch yas
Cathy
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