Conference iago::caring_for_elders

182.0. "?? on shunt and $10,000/yr gift" by NPSS::WADE (Network Systems Support) Thu Feb 13 1997 11:00

    My mother-in-law is in a nursing home after having a cerebral shunt
    procedure done.  She is 79 and has been having trouble with balance and
    memory loss that has been getting worse over the last 2 years.  Her MD
    at the time seemed to be leaning toward alzheimers.  She started with a
    new MD a few months ago and after a CAT scan he found an increase in
    pressure due to spinal fluid buildup.  
    
    The shunt was done about 2 weeks ago and, so far, there has been
    no noticable improvement.
    
    The plan is for my father-in-law to care for her at home after Pilgrim
    gives her the boot.  Or he hands over half  of his  life savings. 
    
    Two questions -
    
    	Has anyone seen this shunt procedure help with this condition?  The
    	little that we've read indicates that it  could take a few months or it
    	may not help at all.
    
    	Is it too late for my father-in-law to get rid of some of his
    	savings by giving the $10,000/year gifts to siblings and grand
    	children?  A little late in the  game but our concerns have fallen
    	on deaf ears until now.
    
    Thanks,                                                    
    Bill
    

    I would check with an Eldercare lawyer as soon as possible.  I know
    some new federal law just went on the books making it a CRIME to give
    away money to protect assets.  
    
    There should be some lawyer referrals in this notesfile somewhere.
    
    Good luck,