Okay, I'm new to this. My mom (she's 84) has Parkinson's Disease. Diagnosed in 2003. I moved her in with me at the start of 2003, we sold her house in July of 2003, she no longer owns real estate, car or anything. She was on a Debt Management plan to pay off her credit cards, but due to recent illnesses and hospital stays, it's a choice between her meds and her credit cards, naturally we're going with the meds. I tried to send a letter explaining about the situation, but I don't have power of attorney so they won't talk to me.
At any rate, the cc companies are calling every hour. She has to have 24/7 care which my niece and I are sharing now, but the calls are harassing to say the least. Mom doesn't have full understanding of what's going on. I've tried to explain, but they hang up and call an hour later. What can I do?

Tiger2

First you should get POA. But if mom can sign her name, prepare a letter to each carrier stating that she is very ill and on limited income. That she will attempt to make payments when and if she can, but, in the meantime, all contact must be by mail under the terms of Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Send those letters Return Receipt Requested so you have proof of delivery. In the meantime get an answering machine and callerID.