How do I let people know what to do with mom if something happens to me?

I think if something happens to you the courts would appoint a guardian.

Thank you for your suggestions. I thought we were doing good in having a POA before she was ever diagnosed with alzheimers. Now, she's past moderate stage alz. and it's too late for her to make any decisions. I will call her lawyer and see what he suggests. Thanks again and good luck to you!!

Caregiverson makes a good point. See a lawyer. I am POA for my mom, my spouse is alternate if something happens to me. He will keep mom here, n hire in help, or place her where he feels is best for her, w my siblings or in NH. We don't foresee problem reaching consensus in our family. The POA is the legal decision maker. I see ur mom has dementia too-act quickly to get this resolved. As u know, deterioration can be rapid; things won't be getting better. Good luck.

I am my fathers POA. I have 3 older sisters one of which is designated in my fathers will as a "second" in the event something were to happen to me or if I relinquish the duty as POA. Consult the lawyer who made out the documents giving you POA and explain the situation. I am not a lawyer but common sense tells me that it is unethical to for you to be able to appoint a POA in your will for someone else even though in this case it is your mother.

If your mothers lawyer deems that she is of sound mind a "second" backup POA can be appointed to anyone your mother wishes to appoint to as long as the appointee is in agreement. If she is not ... well this is what lawyers are for. Let them tell you which way to proceed.