It's too late for any POA now, and quite honestly should be the least of your worries. The doctors will confer with next of kin if and when any major decisions need to be made on your dads behalf. Just enjoy whatever time you may have left with him and leave nothing left unsaid.
I’m sorry for what you’re experiencing. If it even slightly helps, I had POA for my dad, and all through helping with many financial and medical matters, I was never asked for it even once
Hi Sherrymae, i am sorry to hear about this. No doubt it is very upsetting. I do not know what your exact questions are, and I am not a lawyer but I think the doctors will likely confer with relatives such as his wife, children, siblings, etc. about medical decisions.
And I think each US state has its own rules about dividing assets or the estate after someone dies without a will.
My dad died 3 weeks ago but luckily he did have all these documents in place and his wishes were very simple and straightforward. It is still difficult with all the red tape and legal hoops to jump through. but I imagine could be worse in your situation.
best wishes to you. I would say trust your heart. And try not to second guess yourself or guilt trip.
Suzy, I spent my life as a nurse. I can assure you that you are correct. The next of kin will be contacted in need to help with decisions should they be required. My condolences to you on your loss.
Welcome to the Forum, Sherry: Sorry it is in such sad circumstances. You are lucky in having access to Social Services in the hospital, so your step TODAY is to ask for Social Services consult before your Dad is transferred to rehab. If a transfer to rehab happens first, then contact social worker at the rehab. If it is required, ask that social services assist you in temporary guardianship or conservatorship. FIRST understand the duties and understand if you wish to undertake this as your burden of proving and accounting for every penny into and out of Dad's accounts is crucial to understand. Do not take on this duty ill-informed.
Now is the time to understand that you have ZERO hurry right now in all of this. If your Dad is unresponsive then his next of kin will be asked and informed on everything as a matter of course. The next of kin will handle the medical decisions.
As to any OTHER decisions, there is none to be made at this point, and all of that can come later. You are now in the acute phase of care and the next of kin will be consulted in absence of your Dad's ability to do so.
Redding has some good hospitals. I wish you good luck, and hope your father recovers and heals well.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
The doctors will confer with next of kin if and when any major decisions need to be made on your dads behalf.
Just enjoy whatever time you may have left with him and leave nothing left unsaid.
ADVERTISEMENT
And I think each US state has its own rules about dividing assets or the estate after someone dies without a will.
My dad died 3 weeks ago but luckily he did have all these documents in place and his wishes were very simple and straightforward. It is still difficult with all the red tape and legal hoops to jump through. but I imagine could be worse in your situation.
best wishes to you. I would say trust your heart. And try not to second guess yourself or guilt trip.
My condolences to you on your loss.
Sorry it is in such sad circumstances.
You are lucky in having access to Social Services in the hospital, so your step TODAY is to ask for Social Services consult before your Dad is transferred to rehab. If a transfer to rehab happens first, then contact social worker at the rehab. If it is required, ask that social services assist you in temporary guardianship or conservatorship. FIRST understand the duties and understand if you wish to undertake this as your burden of proving and accounting for every penny into and out of Dad's accounts is crucial to understand. Do not take on this duty ill-informed.
Now is the time to understand that you have ZERO hurry right now in all of this. If your Dad is unresponsive then his next of kin will be asked and informed on everything as a matter of course. The next of kin will handle the medical decisions.
As to any OTHER decisions, there is none to be made at this point, and all of that can come later. You are now in the acute phase of care and the next of kin will be consulted in absence of your Dad's ability to do so.
Redding has some good hospitals. I wish you good luck, and hope your father recovers and heals well.