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Trust but Verify: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know About Trustee Responsibilities with Linda Mac Dougall - Episode 150

Diane Carbo

Diane Carbo

— 2 min read
Trust but Verify: What Every Caregiver Needs to Know About Trustee Responsibilities with Linda Mac Dougall - Episode 150

Many caregivers believe that being named a trustee is simply a matter of helping a parent or friend manage their affairs. But here is the hard truth: once you accept that title, you are taking on serious legal and financial obligations that, if mishandled, can affect your future, your finances, and your peace of mind.

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In this episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo, RN, sits down with Linda Mac Dougall—a holistic health practitioner, former group home administrator, and federal advocate. Linda shares a harrowing personal story about a family trust gone wrong and offers critical advice on how to protect yourself while advocating for your loved one.

Whether you are already a trustee or just starting the conversation with aging parents, this episode is a must-listen to avoid the hidden pitfalls of estate management. 🎧

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • The "Double Role" Danger: Why being both the primary caregiver and the trustee is a recipe for burnout and potential legal trouble.
  • The Handwritten Nightmare: Linda shares a personal story about how a handwritten addendum (without a notary) nearly sent her family’s estate into probate hell.
  • Financial Traps: The most common way trustees accidentally break the law—specifically "commingling funds"—and why you must keep a log of every penny spent.
  • Advocating in Facilities: How to speak up for "resident rights" in nursing homes, especially regarding dignity, hygiene, and the controversial removal of wheelchair seatbelts.
  • The Broken System: A frank discussion on why the current medical system provides only the "illusion of healthcare" and why families must be more vigilant than ever.

💡 Quotes from the Episode

"You may think you're just helping a parent or a friend manage their affairs, but once you're named as a trustee, you take on serious legal and financial obligations." — Diane Carbo
"If you get yourself in that double roll [Caregiver and Trustee], try to get yourself back out... If you take on this super heavy legal duty... you have to keep track of the accounts, the care, every little thing because you're responsible for other people's money." — Linda Mac Dougall
"The squeaky wheel gets the grease. And sometimes you just have to be squeaky." — Diane Carbo

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Don't wait until a crisis hits to understand your legal responsibilities. Protect yourself and your loved ones by listening to the full conversation today.

💬 Got a Question? Ask the Expert!
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
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