Parent has dementia.

PJnotJJ

Hi all. New poster to the forum although been browsing for many a year.

I'm currently having an issue with British Gas and after some help if possible.

My mother has lived alone for the last 5years however her dementia has taken hold quite bad. She is currently in hospital and it looks like she won't be able to return home.

I've phoned British Gas informing them that the gas and electric needs cancelling as the house will remain empty until sold. They have said they will send out a form for my mother to sign allowing them to add me on the bill so I can cancel. I said this is not possible as she is in a bad way memory wise.

They also said they will not cancel the daily charge until the house is sold.

My issue is should I just not pay the bills if they refuse to cancel as it is paid quarterly. It doesn't matter if they cut off the supply. They can also try to take it out of her estate if they so wish at the time. I'm sure she won't be bothered by having any default registered against her.

It's just so annoying trying to do the right thing but getting no help off them. Anyone had any similar issues ?

Cardew

You will need electricity and possibly some heating in the period while the house is up for sale..

I suggest you switch to Ebico. Whilst their unit prices are high, they have a daily standing charge of 0p (zero)

PJnotJJ

Thanks for that. Definately worth looking into. Don't mind a high rate as it will be used very rarely.

zaax

Sounds like you will need power of attorney

Cardew

zaax wrote: »

Sounds like you will need power of attorney

Whist that may be necessary to sell house etc, you can change to Ebico on-line now!

giraffe69

I am sorry to hear of your mother's illness but you had the opportunity to get a power of attorney and did not so why blame BG now? I'm not sure how you switch to EBICO unless you mis-represent yourself as you are not the householder. You can get a POA even if the person does not have mental capacity and is unable to sign. You can google to see how.

Cardew

giraffe69 wrote: »

I'm not sure how you switch to EBICO unless you mis-represent yourself as you are not the householder.

That is exactly what I am suggesting!

There must be thousands of people, many on MSE, who run their parents accounts on-line. Their parents either not on-line, or cannot understand the energy tariffs etc.