This is being recommended because I live nearby. I really don’t want the responsibility. It was said that the senior living complex to which she will soon be moving (hopefully !) wants someone “able to write checks” in case of her loss of abilities. Until now, my sister across the country has had full POA.
Thanks for any thoughts.
For me, it stops as soon as you say you don't want the responsibility. It IS a responsibility, and it can become an onerous responsibility, and to be honest you don't even really need to state your reasons.
Is your sister finding the situation too difficult? In this electronic age, I can't see why she shouldn't manage the financial side of things just as well from Tasmania or the moon as she can from across the country.
But I can see the advantage of having somebody "on the spot" to assist your sister - are there any volunteers locally?
How old is your sister, the current PoA? I'm PoA for my 2 senior aunties who live in FL and I live in MN and I am able to take care of their needs remotely. The senior complex can be paid in other ways, like BillPay directly out her checking account, mailed by the bank and set up by the PoA to occur on a regular basis. Or auto withdrawal by the complex. It isn't a bad idea to have a PoA local, but this person needs to be significantly younger than the parent, of full mental capabilities, trustworthy and accountable.