I live in California and my father was just placed in a nursing home. How do I help him with business affairs without POA?

I assume you don't live close to your father? You really need to have him sign DPOA or be declared his guardian by a judge...otherwise you will not be able to do anything....banks, insurance companies, etc won't talk to you without one or the other. If you do get POA make lots of copies...you will need them. Good luck with this..............