My aunt has early Alzheimer's. One person who is the second POA has taken it upon herself to control medical AND finances. The FIRST listed POA is just standing back and letting it happen. They are throwing gossip at each other and fighting over who is in charge, fighting over who drained my aunt's bank accounts. Whether or not my aunt is really competent or not. It's a mess. I don't know who to tell that this is going on. Or should I? I'm worried my aunt is being treated unfairly and bullied.
I'm sorry your aunt is going through this and you are an unwilling spectator. For the rest of us it is a cautionary tale and a situation to avoid.
If your aunt has sufficient competency she can revoke the POA that is causing the conflict. However, a POA is sort of like an embarrassing photograph, even if the original is destroyed copies that cause trouble may still be around. Your state may have an Adult Protective Services unit that can be consulted if financial abuse is suspected.
If you given large gifts to family or friends or even organizations or your church during that time, those should be looked at right away. I don't think your grocery bills will be an issue but I'm not a Medicaid expert. Likely, much will depend on what you've given away since technically that person could be required to pay it all back if five years haven't passed.
If you haven't given large financial gifts it may not be too big a deal but it's best to know your state Medicaid laws. I would suggest one meeting with an elder law attorney who knows your state laws. He or she could help you streamline the process and you'd know exactly what you need to do.
Take care,
Carol
Good luck with this.
Carol
Do you know which attorney drew up the POA documents? If so, you could contact that person. He or she would likely not be able to speak with you about the matter but could listen to your concerns and follow-up about them.
Speaking with an Elder Law attorney could be a good step. It sounds like all of the facts are not known so perhaps caution is appropriate as you address this issue.