If POA is active, may the decision be made to place a parent in a nursing home even though he was against it in his health directives?

That clause, in my opinion, is unenforceable. No nursing home. Ask an attorney. Ridiculous, in my opinion. If all siblings agree that it is in his best interests, and he HIMSELF has Alzheimer's Disease, who besides siblings KNOW about that provision, and who would object on his behalf?

Well, I think you need guardianship to place someone in a nursing home against their wishes. A POA would not have that kind of power.

But there are a lot of open questions here. Does your father have the funds to afford in-home help? Is he eligible for Medicaid? If so, would Medicaid provide in-home services in your state, and would that be sufficient for his care?

Is he doing anything so risky or destructive that he needs to be under constant supervision? Because if that's the case, go for the guardianship. Or try to convince him, or get his doctor to convince him.

All kids are in agreement that Dad needs extra care and a safer place to live. Arrangements to move to an assisted care home were in motion, and then had to be cancelled when we realized that Dad´s health directives included "no nursing homes". My brother has durable power of attorney for my Dad. Doctors agree he needs more care. Is the durable power of attorney that my brother has sufficient to make decisions that my Dad is not capable of making for himself now or do we need to go to court to get guardianship?

I get the impression that the kids are all in agreement that dad needs help, and want to know if They can place him for his safety. If I am right, will Dads Dr back up your choice?

What stage is his Alzheimer's? What care, including nursing, aides, etc. does he have?

If you oppose your brother's choice, what alternate care would you be able to provide so that your father can remain in his own home? Or would you bring him to Florida?

I think this would be a primary issue if you sought guardianship. And are you, or how would you, be prepared to provide that level of care?

These are really tough choices; it may be that your father can still manage, but it may also be that he needs more assistance than a weekly visit. If his health and safety are endangered, then perhaps it might better if he's not living alone.

I think any court would examine your father's mental and physical needs and base a decision for guardianship vs. nursing home on those kinds of issues.

There are others here with more experience in these situations than I, so hopefully they can provide more help information.

I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for you.

I would however try to discuss this with your brother. If you seek guardianship and your brother is opposed, the court may appoint an independent guardian, and then the cash register start racking up huge bills. Attorney guardians are going to charge and that kind of guardianship won't be cheap.