Consider automatic payment of important, recurring bills. You can arrange for water, electric and other utility bills, along with health insurance, mortgage and other regular commitments, to be paid electronically out of your loved one's checking account. This makes bill paying easier and prevents hassles and interruptions in service if required payments aren't made. You also may be able to arrange to be notified if your relative misses a payment. Consider the direct deposit of pay and benefit checks into bank and brokerage accounts.
Many consumers are leery of direct deposit and other forms of electronic banking.
But most experts believe direct deposit is safer and more convenient than paper checks. There are no delays in getting funds deposited, no checks are lost in the mail or forgotten at home, and notices about each payment and deposit can be obtained. Also be aware that a 1996 law, with certain exceptions, requires that federal wage and retirement payments be sent electronically starting in 1999. So, before ruling out direct deposit, consider talking to the Social Security Administration, bankers and others involved in the process to try to clear up problems or misconceptions. Try to make sure your relatives are properly insured.