She has lived with me for almost 4 years....I have been care giver for her and dad who passed in 2006 for almost 8 years.... I stayed with them for a couple of months at a time when needed to care for one or the other. When my mother fell and was told she couldn't live alone in Feb. 2009 we moved her in with us. My mother has insisted on paying for a few different things that we purchased over the last several years, we didn't ask, she insisted and said it was for all that we have done for her. Now all of a sudden my brothers are accusing me of stealing her money without her knowledge....this isn't true and they say they have gotten a lawyer.. I have never spent Mom's money without her knowing it. I am POA and my name is on all of her accounts. In 1994 my Parents put me on their deed as survivors right and my Dad told me the house was mine because my brothers never bother to come around but maybe once or twice a year. They are demanding to know how much money Mom was left by Dad and how much has been spent. She told them it was none of their business and that it was her money but they say this isn't the end of it and they will see me in court for stealing moms money....Do they have a leg to stand on? They don't realize how much they have hurt her and it really upsets me...they have never offered to take her and blame me because I have never asked... PLEASE HELP ME
This is a good illustration of why family caregivers should have a personal care contract drawn up, spelling out some reasonable compensation for room and board and care, unless their are no other relatives and no chance of needing Medicaid down the road. Certainly Mom wants to do something to contribute to her expenses. Outsiders may have no idea of the situation or simply be greedy. Get it in writing, upfront!
At this point, please see an attorney who specializes in this kind of thing.
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