**Managing Online Banking for Relatives with Alzheimer’s: A Guide to Legal Compliance**
When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, managing their finances can become a significant challenge. One of the most critical aspects is ensuring that their online banking activities are secure and compliant with legal requirements. In this article, we will explore how to manage online banking for relatives with Alzheimer’s while adhering to legal standards.
### Understanding the Challenges
Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, judgment, and decision-making skills, which can lead to financial mismanagement. Relatives with Alzheimer’s might forget passwords, make impulsive purchases, or fall prey to scams. These issues can result in financial losses and legal complications.
### Ensuring ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires financial institutions to provide accessible services for individuals with disabilities. This includes ensuring that online banking platforms are accessible to people with disabilities, such as those using screen readers.
**Key ADA Requirements:**
1. **Keyboard Navigation:** Ensure all website functions can be accessed using a keyboard. This allows users to navigate links, buttons, and forms without a mouse, which is crucial for screen reader users.
2. **Accessible Forms:** Design forms with clear labels and ensure they are fully navigable and compatible with screen readers. This makes tasks like loan applications and account registrations straightforward for all users.
3. **Video Captions:** Incorporate closed captions into videos to make auditory information accessible to those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
4. **Resize Text:** Allow customers to zoom in on any interface up to 200% without losing content or functionality. Text containers should not change their width.
5. **Color Contrast:** Maintain high color contrast between text and its background to enhance readability.
6. **Alt Text:** Implement concise, descriptive alt text for images to help users who cannot see visual elements understand their content.
7. **Logical Content Organization:** Structure the banking website with proper headings, lists, and landmarks to facilitate navigation for all users, including those who use screen readers.
### Using Sibstar for Secure Financial Management
Sibstar is a flexible debit card and app designed to help families living with dementia manage their everyday spending securely. Here’s how it works:
1. **Load the Card:** Load the Sibstar card with your chosen amount of money.
2. **Manage Spending:** Within the app, manage how and where that money can be used.
3. **Protection:** Families have the reassurance and confidence that money is protected as the person they care for continues to enjoy their everyday activities.
Sibstar was created by Jayne Sibley after she noticed her mother, June, who lived with Alzheimer’s, was struggling to manage her daily spending. June had started making numerous cashpoint withdrawals, giving money away, and falling victim to scams, losing thousands of pounds. Sibstar ensures that people with dementia can remain independent while their finances are secure.
### Practical Tips for Managing Online Banking
1. **Set Up Alerts:** Set up alerts for unusual transactions to monitor the account activity.
2. **Use Two-Factor Authentication:** Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
3. **Limit Access:** Limit access to the account by setting up restrictions on certain transactions.
4. **Regularly Review Statements:** Regularly review bank statements to identify any suspicious activity.
5. **Seek Professional Help:** If you’re unsure about managing the finances, consider seeking professional help from a financial advisor or a geriatric care manager.
### Conclusion
Managing online banking for relatives with Alzheimer’s requires a combination of legal compliance and practical strategies. By ensuring ADA compliance, using tools like Sibstar, and implementing practical tips, you can help protect your family member’s financial well-being and maintain their independence. Remember, early intervention and collaboration are key to managing the financial challenges associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
