Unmarried brother , age 73, lives alone, has been showing signs of mental impairment for over a year. The past 3 months have become increasingly worse. Recent hospitalization for diabetes, acute liver injury and enlarged prostate has left him weak and in need of intervention. Brother has refused to sign healthcare directive or power of attorney. Claims he wants to be “free” and make his own decisions. Patient privacy laws has prevented me from communicating effectively with doctor. Recently told me he drew money out of his bank account and deposited it to his girlfriends granddaughters bank account. A red flag went up. How do I protect my brother, to act on his behalf and protect his assets.?
Everyone is free to appoint whomever they want as their agent or to not appoint anyone -- unless they lack legal capacity to make the appointment. If you believe that mental deterioration has reached this stage, contact a guardianship attorney about pursuing guardianship/conservatorship.
This is general information. It cannot substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. It is not intended to be legal advice or imply an attorney-client relationship.
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