by slickgirl24 » Thu Aug 12, 2010 10:07 pm
I work for a Dr's office and a patient of ours does not have any family. I have started spending time with her to make her feel good and do things for her where others tried taking advantage of her. She called me at work one day and told me she wanted me to be her beneficiary. To take care of her funeral. I just want to make sure there is not a conflict of interest and any issues that could arise if my employer( her Dr) finds out.
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 02:36 am Post Subject:
I'm assuming you mean beneficiary of her life insurance. There isn't really a conflict of interest, but this is a huge potential mistake for her to make in the sense of ensuring that things get done.
I mean no disrespect to you, but what does she have to believe that you'll do what she wants besides your word, no matter how good your intentions?
Her best bet is to talk to a funeral home director and approach them with the premise that she wants to name them beneficiary to her policy up to the amount that a cost of funeral will cost. Everything can basically be drawn up and prepared do that when she dies proceeds go directly to the funeral home and they take care of the process. Now, if there is money left over, and she decides that she wants that to go to you because you've become her friend and she wants her money to go to you, there's nothing necessarily unethical about that situation.
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 10:14 am Post Subject:
I just wanted to make sure, the lady she has as her beneficicary now took advantage of her after she had to give up her house and belongings. I just want to do what is right and in the best interest of her since she has no family to make sure her wishes are done when she dies.
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 10:30 am Post Subject: insurance
OP..the patient must REALLY have alot of faith and a good friendship, with you. That's really great. A similiar situation happened to me. I have a 'client' who doesn't have any surviving family members left. She asked if I would be her POA (she is in the 1st stages of Alz.). And asked me to be put in her Will and other paperwork she has. i was really flattered when she asked me this! However.....in MY case, this would be a 'conflict of interest'. I feel really bad for her. She doesn't really trust very many people.
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 08:07 am Post Subject:
Well if you are comfortable with what she expects of you and will be able to come good on your promise then go for it if there is no conflict of interest.
But if there is a slight confusion in your mind then as ENTRS suggested you can help her in taking more practical steps possible.
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