Chapter 18 - FIRST COMMONWEALTH’S FAILURE
The trustee was not blameless.
First Commonwealth approved too many VBM reimbursements based on family-submitted documentation.
Why?
Ryan had apparent authority.
Margaret’s power of attorney appeared valid.
My electronic signature appeared valid.
VBM invoices looked professional.
Still:
Red flags existed.
Same company billing elder care and receiving unpaid-caregiver offsets.
Rapid reimbursement increase after twins turned two.
Large family-agent fees.
No direct verification with me.
No private confirmation with Margaret.
The trustee’s internal review admitted failures.
A civil settlement restored trust losses attributed to negligent administration.
Policy changes:
Direct annual verification with adult beneficiaries.
Private confirmation before accepting new powers of attorney for family-controlled reimbursement.
No provider paid simultaneously under incompatible care categories without review.
Mandatory independent service verification above threshold.
Electronic signatures verified through originating device.
Boring.
Good.
My father’s trust had strong language.
Weak administration still created vulnerability.
Documents alone do not protect people.
Systems require practice.
I joined no trustee board.
Conflict.
But I participated in beneficiary feedback.
Mom did too.
She told them:
“Call the old lady.”
The compliance officer blinked.
Mom continued:
“You received documents saying I was confused. Call me privately. If I sound confused, then investigate. If I tell you I understand nothing about a company billing seven thousand dollars a month, maybe investigate that too.”
Excellent.
The policy later required direct beneficiary contact.
Mom was proud.
Not branded.
No Margaret Bennett Elder Safety Initiative.
May you like
She would have hated that.
Just a better rule.
