I have been taking care of my mother for 13 years with no help from family. I was able to get my mother money when father died for health reasons. The money was put in the bank. I have been POA for 3 years. Mother visited sister for 5 weeks, and all of a sudden the person that has never helped brainwashed mother into making her POA and has since taken the money and my mother, telling her I am taking the money. I have a perfect record. Now I'm worried about mom's health. She has lived with me 3 years through a heart attack, and diabetes. I am heartbroken that my mother may think I stole money. My sister keeps her from talking to me, but I love my mother and am not worried about money, only her and her health. What can I do to prove this to her, and to see her again which my sister does not want? We all know why. I need help I am heartbroken and sick, she is my best friend.
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As for the whole "use technology to your advantage" spiel. That's great if you are a tech savvy person, but as a person who teaches seniors beginning computers, that is often NOT the case. Not all seniors are comfortable with technology or have the physical capacity to even use the resource. If they have vision issues, hearing issues, or cognition issues, something as "simple" as a debit card or website would be like speaking Greek (trust me... I know from first hand experience). These folks came up in a time where cash was key, and sometimes the technology is intimidating.
So... it may be time for an attorney. It's going to be hard to prove anything to a bank now that you no longer have POA.
If the POA is too cumbersome, you may be able to set up a fiduciary to handle mom's financial affairs, but at this point that may be putting the cart before the horse.
I'm so sorry this is happening. Greedy siblings are the worst.
Basically don't count on APS because your sister will jump up and down and say that this is what mom wants and mom will back her up. You might have to get a court order to see your mom, but what if she refuses (based on the brainwashing)?
Attorneys and caretakers generally follow the elder's wishes..............but..........if she has been brainwashed and says that her wishes are such and such, then they will go for that. Document everything because at probate time, maybe the judge will listen.
My dad is generally happy (even though the romance is fake) and I don't want to take that away from him.........basically a large amount of money will go to her since she took him out to change his trust. It might be too late, but at least talk to an elder attorney (specialist) because it "might" roll to criminal court if she does anything wrong - but the POA might allow her to do it. Read the POA carefully because that defines what she is allowed to do - she can't make up rules and block you.
So sorry - it's a mess when people believe her and not you....regards from Oregon
The best advice I can give you is to contact Adult Protective Services in the county in which your mother resides and file a formal complaint.