My Dad died a few years ago. After over 50 years of marriage Mum depended a lot on him especially for all financial matters and bill paying. With early stage dementia she is muddled at times and relies on my sister and I to handle all bills and paperwork etc. We do worry about her living alone but she hates the thought of living with either of us (doesn’t want to be a burden) or going into a home (that is for ‘old’ people). With good neighbours and regular checking she keeps going. But that is another story.

Why blog about it? Because of some sales tactics which must have been used by an energy company to get Mum to change gas suppliers. She has no idea where her gas and electricity comes from and leaves the details and bills to my sister. Mum is very careful who she opens the door to. Yet somehow a sales person from her electricity supplier gained access. They must have realised within minutes Mum is a little muddled at the best of times. Yet somehow they convinced her to sign a contract for gas supply and give them her bank details. The first we knew of it was when British Gas wrote to Mum to say ‘sorry you were leaving us’. Mum showed us the letter as she was distressed and said she had never seen anyone or signed anything.

When my sister found out she rang both British Gas and the offending electricity supply company. The later said they would cancel the contract and re-connect Mum to BG. Fair enough (and for their prompt action I have not named them here)....but it still leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.