Creditors want to know if there is a POA before they reveal private information, such as an account balance. Any they also like to try to hound the POA into paying the debt (even though a POA is not personally responsible for the debts.)
Your issues isn't about POA, but about what to do about the debt. Does Mother or Dad have any income other than SS? Pensions? Annuities? Anything? I'm not a great expert on debts but others here could help you if you want to share the background about the basic financial position.
She is at home with dad. I live in spitting distance. Together we have made decisions . But now after recent hospitalization . We had no money for the credit card bills and I have been ask by card company do we have one. She is now very confused I know there can be no poa now but fear dad needs to file a bankrupcy is the creditors start in . Any ideas are welcomed
In fact, if the LO can no longer understand the concept of someone else acting in his or her behalf, then a POA cannot be established even if there is a willing candidate.
My mother, 94, with dementia, never named a POA. The nursing home and the hospice organization both asked for a "contact" person for her. I am that person. I consult with my sisters and we make decisions for Mom when the need arises.
If no one steps forward to make decisions, I suppose the LO becomes a ward of the state.
Would you like to provide more detail about your particular situation, for a more specific answer?
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Your issues isn't about POA, but about what to do about the debt. Does Mother or Dad have any income other than SS? Pensions? Annuities? Anything? I'm not a great expert on debts but others here could help you if you want to share the background about the basic financial position.
You might find this recent post interesting, too:
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/handling-outstanding-medical-bills-for-medicare-recipient-171507.htm
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In fact, if the LO can no longer understand the concept of someone else acting in his or her behalf, then a POA cannot be established even if there is a willing candidate.
My mother, 94, with dementia, never named a POA. The nursing home and the hospice organization both asked for a "contact" person for her. I am that person. I consult with my sisters and we make decisions for Mom when the need arises.
If no one steps forward to make decisions, I suppose the LO becomes a ward of the state.
Would you like to provide more detail about your particular situation, for a more specific answer?