Sometimes we make decisions not to investigate something, not to ask questions, because we do not want to deal with the consequences the answers may reveal. I did this with regard to my parents' caregiver.  The caregiver, handpicked by my mother, took on more and more duties until my parents depended on her for everything.  When I visited with the lady, a young, divorced mother of two, she seemed loving and capable.  I was happy that she managed my parents' affairs because then I did not have to. Although I realized that my parents were vulnerable to exploitation, I did not verify information from the caregiver, nor did I check on my parents' finances myself.  It was easier for me to trust, and I chose simply to trust.  I received calls from my parents' investment advisers, concerned with the monetary outflows the caregiver facilitated.  "Oh, yes, you can trust her," I said to...(Read Full Post)