Can't count change

When it happens

Early moderate-stage dementia

Why it happens

Loss of judgment and a sense of social propriety combine with an inability to accurately identify bills and coins or do the basic math involved with making change.

What you can do

• By this stage of dementia, don't allow the person to carry more than a modest amount of money in his or her wallet. Carrying some cash can enhance self-esteem for some people.

• Remove credit cards (and other key documents) from wallet.

• Don't let the person shop unattended.

• Step in casually: "It's on me, Mom." "Here, let me pay for it.""

• Use humor to divert attention: "I know you like that toothpaste so much you'd pay a hundred dollars for it, Dad. But don't you think a five is enough?" (and take the five).

• Use flattery to deflect the awkwardness of the situation: "You're so generous you'd give away all your money if you could, wouldn't you? But maybe not today."