How do you obtain durable and health care POA for someone who has dementia?

You don't petition the courts for POA. You can petition them for guardianship -- that is another thing altogether.

Can the person still understand what allowing someone else to make decisions means? Then, yes, go about it in the usual way. If not, it can't be done.

When the lawyer came to our house she went over the papers with my husband, who had dementia. Then she asked him if he understood what they meant. He said, "If I can't make a decision for myself, Jeanne can do it for me." That was enough. He signed and I became his financial and healthcare POA.

Dear Carebear,

I would speak with an elder law attorney to make these arrangements.