You might consider getting a power of attorney. Then you can go to the bank and get yourself signed onto your folks accounts, thus enabling you to pay bills/monitor spending via internet wherever you are. I found myself in a similar situation after my dad passed away, and soon discovered my nephew had bilked my mom out of nearly $60K, and that mom was co-signed on his new truck, which he promptly defaulted on. So she ended up doing the reverse mortgage thing and there isn't really much down side to that deal for the older home-owner. The only people who might get shorted are the heirs (you) because when she passes the house goes right to the lender. Or you can sell it for more than the loan and keep the difference. Anyway - good luck to you and your folks.