abenton, we need more information. As GardenArtist had asked above, what is the disability? If your parent is of clear mind then the Power of Attorney sits until it is really needed. Look at Stephen Hawking, he was wheelchair bound but his mind was still brilliant.
Your profile says that your parent is living in Assisted Living. If it is because of a physical disability, the POA still has to sit on the side lines until needed.
My Dad was in senior living and still able to function quite well even if he had sundowning. Dad did ask me to do all the billing for him as I was the financial POA, so we went to the bank and had that set up by the Branch Manager. Then when Dad wanted to sell his house, I was his "representative" for the sale. Dad was still able to sign all the real estate documents. I was also medical POA, so whenever Dad went to the ER, and he couldn't speak for himself, I would manage his case.
These were mine when I was POA for my mom, both Medical and financial: I was responsible for all my mom’s finances. When she was admitted into skilled nursing, I was responsible for closing up her apartment and paying the final bills. I was on her checking account so it was a lot easier. I signed everything while she was in the hospital and when she was admitted to the NH. I was notified by the hospital and NH of every medication, test and procedure, her behavior ( or in her case, misbehavior). With the help of the facility financial people, I applied for Medicaid for her and had to provide any documentation they asked for for the approval of Medicaid. In addition, any monies that were spent from her funds had to be proven to be for her benefit, so I had to provide the facility financial department with receipts once a month. I had to watch her accounts so they did not exceed the Medicaid Maximum. I was also responsible for all her burial arrangements when she passed, which, because of a sketchy pre-planning contract, cost us $7,000.
Abenton, the best thing to do is to read the POA, note any issues or authority you don't understand, and discuss them with the attorney who drafted the document.
Is it a springing or durable POA? Are you anticipating executing your assigned powers now, or in the future? Is your parent disabled physically or mentally? Is dementia involved?
3 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Your profile says that your parent is living in Assisted Living. If it is because of a physical disability, the POA still has to sit on the side lines until needed.
My Dad was in senior living and still able to function quite well even if he had sundowning. Dad did ask me to do all the billing for him as I was the financial POA, so we went to the bank and had that set up by the Branch Manager. Then when Dad wanted to sell his house, I was his "representative" for the sale. Dad was still able to sign all the real estate documents. I was also medical POA, so whenever Dad went to the ER, and he couldn't speak for himself, I would manage his case.
ADVERTISEMENT
Is it a springing or durable POA? Are you anticipating executing your assigned powers now, or in the future? Is your parent disabled physically or mentally? Is dementia involved?