Are you concerned or just want to get paid?

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,

I work as a publicist, and recently, a female psychologist client I work with became forgetful about recent work we did. When I tried to get paid for the media placement she became hostile, combative and said she never gave quotes for that story. I tried to get it resolved but then I began to think she is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. She is 74 years old, and I am alarmed and do not know if I should contact her son because I am concerned about her mental state and her welfare. Am I wrong to do nothing?

—Baffled by Non-Paying Client

banana468

Is this that detrimental to the career?  I think you need to potentially not use this person for quotes.  If you see further signs of dementia then see if she has a next of kin contact. 

charlotte989875

It’s fine to want to be paid for your work and if you have the contract details in writing, send them to her with directions on payment. If she says she doesn’t remember decide if you want to pursue it or not. 

I’m curious why LW thinks this is dementia rather than someone just not wanting to pay. But if they’re really concerned they can find another contact or reach out to the governing board. 

MyNameIsNot

I'm thinking small claims or collections if the balance is big enough to pursue. 

I would assume she's BSing you, but that's probably because I'm a jaded old hag. If it's really bigger than not remembering the work you've done for her, I'd be inclined to report to the state licensing board. If she's still a practicing psychology work, dementia is a concern for patients. 

MesmrEwe

This is a business, not personal, and it doesn't matter since the LW most likely cannot diagnose/treat themselves (ETA clarity - it doesn't matter if the non-paying client does have Alzheimer's/Dementia/etc., they haven't been diagnosed yet and the LW likely doesn't have diagnostic abilities in the eyes of the licensing board) ...  Send the certified letter with the invoice for payment, per state law where the LW is at...  From there, if no payment, the Collections or Small Claims option is the way to go...  If it is a declining health issue, it'll help the family with documentation when the time comes for all things legal/financial especially if they need to go to court to get the proper processes and steps done...