LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Bad actors frequently target the elderly because they’re often so vulnerable. And it’s happening right here in the Las Vegas Valley.
“And it’s so sad, it’s so sad. People prey on people that they think have no children, or no heirs, and there’s nobody going to come calling.”
Attorney Roger Croteau recently stepped in to help 92-year-old Robert Cartegena, a dementia patient who fell victim to a untrustworthy neighbor. Croteau told FOX5 Investigates Robert’s case is not uncommon.
“Someone befriends someone, they say let me help you with certain things, the next thing that comes along is, we need some sort of ability to do that, maybe we need a Power of Attorney, maybe we need a healthcare proxy, things where you give to a third party, the rights to make some decisions for you in your absence, or your inability to make decisions. “
A power of attorney gives another person the power to make decisions on your behalf without your prior knowledge or consent.
Aging or illness can make this type of document indespensible, but this type of control should not be granted without great caution.
Start by selecting someone you trust implicitly, who has experience managing finances.
Be sure to communicate your wishes and preferences to that person.
Also, set limitations on what they can and cannot do on your behalf, and be sure to include an expiration date.
Attorneys say this type of planning becomes even more important if you’re facing a health crisis. They urge you to take action before you become impaired.
”The bad part is, I can give advice to people who are competent, but giving advice to some who’s challenged is difficult, they don’t understand,” says Croteau.
You can create a P.O.A. yourself, but experts do recommend hiring a lawyer with experience in estate planning. They can help you revoke or cancel the document should you become unhappy with your chosen agent, or when the document’s no longer necessary.
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