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This is a common problem. An older widower I know was at the point in life that he needed to go into a nursing home. His family took charge of selling his meticulously maintained home and its contents, trusting to a so-called estate liquidator to collect and sell the contents with a promise to split the net proceeds with the owner.

This solution was the most convenient for the old man's scattered family. There were of course no proceeds and little explanation of why that was so, even as to valuable antiques and artwork. The family shrugged, and the widower privately seethed at his family for being so easily duped -- and uncaring that they were duped because it was only his possessions that had been effectively given away.

A it was, an elder care lawyer explained what went on. The "estate liquidator" sold the contents for a minimal sum to their affiliated second hand store that reaped all the value of the man's possessions, protected by contract terms that authorized the malpractice. Like similar operations, the estate liquidator was heavily promoted with smiles, unenforceable feelgood promises, and "have a blessed day" in the nursing home and local Christian community.

I could multiply this story several times over based on my 93 year old mother's close observation of and retelling of what goes on with her circle of friends and in her retirement facility. My mother is sharp enough to notice the many lapses and malpractices that swirl about elder care.