Follow
Share

When my sister drinks, her early dementia symptoms get worse. She has had multiple mild strokes that have affected her short term memory. My niece and I have POA and MPOA and my sister has her own will/trust but brother-in-law doesn't know yet-all hell will break loose when he finds out. He is pressuring my sister to give him access to money that is solely hers. Most of the family believe he is trying to hasten her demise as his personal mantra is "whoever dies last wins".
There is no money to speak of so putting my sister into an assisted living facility isn't an option. We don't know what to do to protect her. APS was called but nothing came of it. Help!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
You say your sister HAS no money, so I guess money isn't the motive.
Your Sister and her husband live together, I assume, a married couple?
And you have contacted APS who found no problems they could address?
I think that you have basically done what you are able. You cannot place your sister against her will unless her dementia is severe, and you have guardianship. If her husband fights to have guardianship and keep her home, it is unlikely you would win.
I would say you are now in the realm of what your sister herself wants. Has she expressed a wish to leave her husband? If so there are ways to do that no matter she has money or not. If she wishes to stay with him I am afraid intervention at present is at a standstill. If you have POA you may wish to discuss the alcohol problem with your Sister's doctor, but I don't know that he could directly intevene in any way. Unless you live with them it is difficult to say whether your sister is drinking because she herself chooses to, or because she is being "encouraged" to do so.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

You can pursue guardianship but it can be costly and no guarantee you will win it. You will need to prove his abuse of her in court. Did she sign a pre-nup with him? Like others I don't know how she can keep money from him without an actual arrangement. I agree with going back to the original lawyer to get clarity -- it may be a misunderstanding on your sister's part. Wishing you success in helping your sister.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

If there truly "is no money to speak of", then your sister would probably qualify for Medicaid, and could be placed in an appropriate facility. At least there, she wouldn't be able to drink. And if your sister and brother-in-law are still married, I'm not sure that any of the money can be "solely hers". Most states now are considered 50/50 regarding any personal property or monies, so not sure how you will keep him from it. Best wishes.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
worriedinCali Dec 2020
It doesn’t matter the states consider. Medicaid has its own rules and since Medicaid would be footing the bill for her sisters care, the husband would be allowed to keep a portion of their assets and some of their income. It would not be a 50/50 split as each state allows the community spouse to keep up to a certain amount of assets and enough of the income to live off of.
(0)
Report
Personally, I'm not completely clear on what APS can actually do and under what circumstances. I think you should direct these issues to the attorney who prepared the will/trust and see what he/she suggests from a legal angle regarding protecting your sister's physical and financial wellbeing. We have a few problem drinkers in my family and there is one in particular (multiple medical problems) whose husband consistently encourages her to drink. Wife gets mean/nasty and hurtful to others. When hubby gets sick of it, he cuts off the drinks and tells her she's done (until next time, of course). A lot of spouses end up enabling, but *encouraging* the drinking is a whole different ballgame.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter