Can anyone give needed advice to assist an USAF Widow experiencing possible "Elder Financial Abuse" by Caregiver Home near Eglin AFB?

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:23:40 -0500

As y'all may know I am currently out on contract. My brother has explained to me that the caregiver home moved my mother to another caregiver home and the caregiver cost has doubled. The first caregiver place (associated with the second place) moved my mother without his knowledge or consent. Then presented him with a bill the was 2.35 times the previous month's bill. Instead of roughly $5000 (my mothers portfolio could handle that amount) to a bill of $12600 for the next month's care.
In short her account will be drained in 11 months. She is a USAF widow and as such should be protected.
My brother never served in the military and doesn't understand the issues involved - I cannot currently leave contract to return to the United States
Is there an Air Force liaison or USAF-associated group near Eglin AFB that can assist my brother and look into this case by personal-presence?
Appeal to all Rally point members for Information and web-link.
Thank you all in advance.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2022 1:46 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 01:46:56 -0500

SFC Ralph E Kelley Colonel Cudworth may have some ideas.

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 15 at 2022 7:46 AM

COL Randall C. — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:46:04 -0500

SFC Ralph E Kelley, the first place I'd start is talking to the folks at the Department of Elder Affairs in Florida*. Digging into their website a bit, they have many services in-house and links to other groups including those that help with health expenses, legal, and many other aspects. Looking at the information they have, it seems to be a pretty comprehensive starting point.

This other bit of advice I'll preface by stating it's all layman's advice and that the experts are the ones that are going to know the legal and contractual things.

I had a bit of experience with an elder relative going into a long-care facility. I don't know your mother's condition, but if nobody has mentioned this to you before, one of the things you might want to explore to see if it is applicable in your situation is moving her assets into a trust.

You'll have to get the legal advice (the FL Dept of Aging has great links), but since the individual's resources were used for financial determination, when that was done it brought them within the threshold of eligibility for many assistance and care programs. Again, may not apply to your situation, but something to look at (might want to consult a financial advisor as well).

Good luck Ralph. I'll be glad to help in any way I can, but I believe the folks at the FL Dept. of Elder Affairs should be your first call.
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* Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs - [login to see] or https://elderaffairs.org/ (contact form on website)

Florida Department of Elder Affairs