Finally Got POA! Now What?

rosecoloredglasses

Hi everyone! So today is the day that I finally focused on getting POA over my mom, and thank god I did. Poor thing could barely do her signature she kept getting so anxious :( But regardless, yay we got it done! Now who do I need to send it to?? Do I just give it to all of her doctors, her bank, her landlord?? Should I be walking around with it on my person or a scanned copy in my phone??

Victoriaredux

Good job.

Did you have her sign a POA or a Durable POA- which survives incapacity? Does it take effect now or is it one that requires a document -usually a Doctor's letter?

You may also need a healthcare proxy and a simple will.

Did you try to find a local commission on aging or a legal aide office- they can review what she signed and explain what you can do under it, how to sign for her etc.

Many things done at this stage of life can't be undone -or not without a court hearing so it is important you get expert advise from an elder lawyer attorney.

Don't forget to ask where she stands with getting medicaid coverage in case you can't keep her at home until the end.

Sorry I can't be more specific but there is no substitute for a customized legal review of your Mother's situation.

terei

You should have copies of the POA or ideally, multiple notarized originals. I carried one with me all the time. I did not live near my mom all the time and several times I had to produce it or fax it to used for instructions when she needed medical care or prove that I had financial or medical power.

I would not mail it to anyone, I would use it as needed. I would go to the bank and have yourself added to her accounts as POA so you can sign her checks, etc. REMEMBER the POA ends at the death of your mother, so get advice on possibly changing the beneficiary on her bank accounts and other financial accounts and getting other legal documents that are needed.

H1235

Congratulations! That’s a big step. I think who you give a copy to will kind of depend on what you plan to do next. If you are already helping with bills and finances or plan to start then I would give a copy to the bank. I got DPOA, medical poa and a living will. I gave the local healthcare system a copy of all to scan into the system. I do keep a copy of everything in my purse, but that may be me being a little ocd. As DPOA you will need to account for how every penny spent. I have an envelope for every month and put all the receipts in that. It’s very important not to mix money. Her money needs to be for her things or there could be trouble if she ever needs to apply for Medicaid. In my state they can do a 5 year look back. Before I was appointed DPOA mom and I would take turns paying or meals when we went out to lunch. Now I alway pay separately. Maybe I’m just being overly cautious. But I really want to do things right.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/managing-someone-elses-money/

Quilting brings calm

I kept a scanned copy in my phone, a copy in my glove compartment, the original and a couple copies at home. I’d take the ‘home’ folder with me when I felt I needed it. Basically you need it whenever you are doing anything in your mom’s name. Accounts of all types. I used it to add my name to her cell phone account, to talk to her insurance companies, her former employer for retiree benefits, to sign for her PT, etc. It does not work for some investment companies or for social security - they have their own form.

Victoriaredux

You really need legal advise -you don't want to be "added" to an account if it will raise gifting issues and mess up her medicaid status, changing a beneficiary requires a certain type of POA or a trust in most cases.

The bank may offer suggestions on how to title things. They represent their interests- usually what is easiest for their systems not what is best for your Mom.

SDianeL

one other thing. Social Security does not accept POA’s so you need to contact them directly and become a “Represented Payee” on her account.