|
I made a promise to someone this week.
I promised that I would use his story to educate others and promote good. Guess what? I have three stories, and more will follow in future newsletters...
Story 1 The Man Who Went For A Walk And Almost Never Came Back
Just when I think that the ceiling for dysfunction has been reached......this happens!
I was called by a colleague who requested that I come and meet with a wealthy 90 year old man who wanted to change his trust. For reasons beyond the relevance of this story, she lives with him.
His daughter was the trustee and agent for healthcare and finances. She and her husband were on a campaign to get him committed to an institution. It failed because no doctor would sign off on a letter of incapacity.
Apparently, the campaign has taken on a "new" complexion. They now verbally batter him, constantly. Yesterday, he took a walk and was confronted by his daughter and verbally battered. He was exhausted when he returned home...late.
The colleague called me, however I could not do anything unless the elderly man called me himself so I could discuss the matter with him. When he did call, he was not ready to take action, even though he told me that he couldn't find his trust and that his daughter "had it changed" in 2013. I wished him the best. I told my colleague to call Adult Protective Services.
LESSON: Do not make your children your agents and trustee if they are untrustworthy. Just pick a professional. If your children are abusive the professional will have legal standing to help you. Go one step further and specifically state that if a conservator is required you specifically exclude that child.
Story 2 When The Doctor Tells You That You Need To Get Your Affairs In Order I have had the misfortune of having to rush to several homes this year to put trusts in place when a client has been given a horrible prognosis with the clock ticking away on their life.
This last matter is very fresh in my mind because on Sunday, I had to get just executed documents to the agents so that they could fulfill their duties. My client literally signed her documents on Tuesday and ended up in the hospital - incompetent, on Friday. She has brain cancer.
She has no children and two homes. It took weeks (that were a gift ) for her to come to terms with who would be her person in an emergency like this and who would get her stuff. She was struggling with understandable deep fear and depression which made her process slow. It is nothing short of a miracle that we put the final touches on in time for a life long friend to be able to speak for her at the hospital.
Since she will not be coming out soon, but at least her agent for finances and trustee can pay her bills and deal with her insurance.
LESSON: You should not wait until the last minute to take care of business because we don't know when the last minute will be. You do it for those you love and care for, and for yourself.
Story 3 When The Facility Says That Your Loved One Is Not Improving And WILL Be Discharged.
Wrong!!! You are entitled to 100 days of the Medicare benefit as long as you demonstrate the need for skilled care despite recovery prognosis.
LESSON: Read my newsletters to stay current on the laws that affect you and your elderly relatives and friends! |
