A question from my neighbor....

[SA_Steve]

I was in small town Texas (pop. 22,000) dealing with my demented father.
The lawyers there elect the judge, the doctors take turns being mayor.

Even with Texas Adult Protective Services' doctor's report and personal physician report the judge would not give me custody but did give me 12 court orders which the lawyers said were laughable and unenforceable by someone without legal custody. I got most of them done because the banks and doctors were not that knowledgeable but mostly cooperative. Social Security folks wasted lots of my time on his issues as well.

Try to get a "safekeeping" bank account when no bank anywhere will open one, even with big money. Too much liability.
The lawyers were able to drain his accounts over a period of two years with help from the judge who would quickly approve their bills along with a court order to the bank to write them a check.

Anyway, I've said too much. Main point - keep the demented person away from lawyers if he has any money at all.

[WildBill]

I was in small town Texas (pop. 22,000) dealing with my demented father.
The lawyers there elect the judge, the doctors take turns being mayor.

Even with Texas Adult Protective Services' doctor's report and personal physician report the judge would not give me custody but did give me 12 court orders which the lawyers said were laughable and unenforceable by someone without legal custody. I got most of them done because the banks and doctors were not that knowledgeable but mostly cooperative. Social Security folks wasted lots of my time on his issues as well.

Try to get a "safekeeping" bank account when no bank anywhere will open one, even with big money. Too much liability.
The lawyers were able to drain his accounts over a period of two years with help from the judge who would quickly approve their bills along with a court order to the bank to write them a check.

Anyway, I've said too much. Main point - keep the demented person away from lawyers if he has any money at all.

[RoyGBiv]

I don't have anything new to add but wanted to thank the OP and contributors for this insightful and relevant thread.