Steps to gain Power of Attorney for aging parent in the state of Alabama?

I would add that every bank or brokerage house wants a POA on their own form. GRRRR.  In addition, the IRS wants their own (Form 2648, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-2848 )  and the VA (if your loved one is a Vet or might be wife/widow of vet has their own.  Get it done while they are still competent.

Yes, POA is an authority given by the principal it isn't something you can get to gain authority over someone, to do that you would need to prove mental incapacity and petition the courts for guardianship.

Your parent has to be mentally competent and voluntarily assign you or another child as their POA. The forms can be obtained online or you can hire an attorney to do it.