The Caregiver's Game: Unraveling Financial Deceit in the Shadows of Dementia

The Caregiver’s Game: Unraveling Financial Deceit in the Shadows of Dementia is a memoir about Charles Wallace’s complicated relationship with his narcissistic mother and the emotional unraveling that follows as her life takes a devastating turn marked by elder abuse, financial exploitation, and the profound vulnerabilities created by dementia.

The book traces Wallace’s inner experience as his mother’s cognitive decline deepens and a seemingly “helpful” caregiver weaves herself into her life. As the descent into dementia continues, the caregiver gradually isolates Wallace’s mother, ultimately manipulating her medical and personal decisions. She also succeeds in stealing large sums of money and treasured family possessions. Though red flags emerge for Wallace and his family, they struggle to find justice due to distance, denial, and a system ill-equipped to protect cognitively impaired adults.

Wallace’s story reveals how dementia not only erodes memory and judgment, but also creates opportunities for predators who operate in plain sight. His writing carries an emotional intensity that lingers long after the final page.

The Caregiver’s Game is a deeply moving, personal account of loss and betrayal that serves as a powerful cautionary tale, urging families toward vigilance, documentation, and early intervention to protect loved ones as illness progresses. I highly recommend this book for its emotional grip and lasting impact.