[ringworm]

Hi there. I have some questions regarding the security of my grandparents' financial assets. Both are in relatively good health though my grandmother is displaying the initial stages of Alzheimer's. She and my grandfather are somewhat resigned to the fact that they may need to move to a retirement home within the next few years. Neither have nursing home insurance and we're relatively sure my grandfather's insurance will cover the costs of a move to a retirement community. Their home is paid for as well as both their cars. They have nothing in the way of additional properties. They have lived very simply for as long as I can remember and have saved EVERYTHING. Most of my grandfather's money, it seems, is in CDs, savings accounts, and low-risk investments. He collects a decent pension that has provided for the both of them for some time now. They have two children and four grandchildren. The six of us, then, stand to inherit the bulk of my grandparents' assets. However, there seems to be some concern on his part that the government or the insurance companies may sneak in at the last minute and have control over more than what they're entitled to. Their home, apparently, is already in my mom's name (along with her brother). In terms of figures, we're not talking about millions of dollars. However, it may be as much as several hundred thousand. I think he intends to "gift" some money to my family around Christmas time this year. Is it true that he can only gift as much as $10,000 per person without there being penalties or complications down the road? He may, then, choose to gift an additional $10,000 after the first of the year. What other steps should he/we consider taking? Where does his money need to be in order for it to be truly safe? Considering the seemingly unavoidable decline in my grandmother's health in the near future, should they consider purchasing nursing home insurance? I'm having a difficult time determining how to approach my grandfather regarding his money. I'm not counting on any sort of inheritance. It never mattered much to me. However, I don't want someone beyond our family to swoop in and make off with everything he worked his whole life for either. He has a personal lawyer, to my knowledge. I've considered contacting him with some questions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry I can't give more concrete information regarding where his money is exactly and what the figures are. I, myself, don't know. Thanks for your time.