They live in Montgomery, Alabama. How do I coach my brother in what to do should anything serious happen to my dad. My dad often goes to the hospital for minor things, but one day, it will be serious, and my brother who is single, lives in a trailer, cannot take care of my dad. What needs to be in place before anything serious happens to my dad? I don't even think my brother knows how much money my dad actually has... thank you!
One of your parents thought he would be a good choice as their POA. You don’t know what you don’t know yet. Your brother may have everything in control financially but not know what to do if one of his parents get ill. Some family members are financial wizards but don’t know anything about Medical/health issues.
Discuss whether your parents have Advanced Directives or DNR. Ask if their funerals are prepaid.
Support you brother in his decisions. Since he has been POA, has he proved trustworthy in working with your parent’s needs?
As POA he isn’t required to share specifics on whatever assets they have.
Sounds like your brother has been a good POA so far. It also sounds like you two have a decent brother/sister relationship going. That’s a good thing! Hopefully going forward that bond will only be strengthened.
Good luck to you!
Since your brother is your Dad's Power of Attorney, he really needs to know your Dad's financial background, that way he can plan ahead if Dad need Assisted Living or a Skilled Nursing Facility. If Dad hadn't saved for all these "rainy days", then your brother would need to get Dad into Medicaid [which is different than Medicare] to help with the expense of extended care in a nursing home that accepts Medicaid.
How is your Step-mother? Who is her Power of Attorney? Your brother would need to talk with your Step-mother's POA should anything happens to your Dad and Dad needs a higher level of care. Step-Mom probably cannot be left alone, so her POA would need to step in with a plan.
I realize all of this will be overwhelming for your brother, it's overwhelming for anyone. As long as your brother knows you are there to help him on this journey via telephone, that would help him feel more secure.