Are there agencies that will takeover POA duties?

jodib -
HOLY S&#%!!!! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I don't have any experience in this area, but what I can do is send healing thoughts and virtual hugs to you. (big hug)

I'm so sorry to hear this ((hugs)).
At this point it doesn't sound as though your aunt is competent to assign a new POA - does the current one not designate any secondary? As POA you don't have to do everything yourself, you are free to hire or assign people to carry out tasks. I've never understood what people are doing as POA that they find so onerous, for me taking care of my mom's affairs was never that difficult? I'd start with a list of all the things you are doing currently, then you can decide which are not necessary, which can be paid automatically, what can be hired out, what your husband can take over.

I'm so sorry for your recent diagnosis. My heart goes out to you at this already trying time with the Pandemic. I believe you can add a contingent POA to your POA without having to scrap the existing legal paperwork which is already in place. It may be a less expensive alternative to starting from scratch with an entirely new document. Call the attorney that set up the original POA and discuss that option.

Is your aunt still legally competent? She can have an Alzheimer's diagnosis and still be considered competent legally. If she is, she can appoint your husband as contingent POA. If she is not, you- as her POA- can't give the POA to anyone else. If you can't act as POA, the courts will have to appoint someone to act as a guardian for her.

Write down a list of the tasks you do for your aunt. Can any of them be automated? There are bill paying services and financial planners that can oversee things for you while you concentrate on your recovery.

I wish you a complete recovery from this scary diagnosis.

I am so sorry that you are facing this challenge on top of everything else.

May God give you a complete healing and strength during this difficult time.

Great big warm hug and prayers!

Can you write down everything that you do, a procedure manual, and then ask your husband if he really wants to handle it while he is supporting you through treatment and recovery. Add your husband to the accounts that you are on.

I would get everything automated that you can and then research fudiciaries to handle the unknown. They charge by the hour, around 160.00 hourly is average and they are licensed through the superior court. As POA you can hire a representative for your aunt. This could be your husband or a licensed fudiciary, your choice.

You can beat this lady!

I think my friend had a fiduciary lawyer who handles finances for his relative. I think he did charge a monthly fee for this. anytime, the relative needed money, she would have to call and explain why she needed the funds.

If your aunt is still "with it" or cognizant she can appoint another DPOA. If not you will have to petition the court for legal guardianship. Either case you both need to see an attorney.

Yes. Our estate lawyer knew of firms that specialize in this as they run into it all the time for clients with no one they can depend on. They do charge a fee of course. That is the route we went.

Speak with some Geriatric Care Managers in your area. For a listing of names go to ALCA.com. You can find care managers by State, area or zip code.
I hope that helps. Take care.

Here is something important to consider for POA before an emergency happens. When you set up the original POA, have at least two contingencies, can be friends and relatives, to sign documents along with the primary. That is how my family and I handled it for my late mother. I pray the best works out for you to save legal expenses.

xrayjodib-- I'm very sorry to hear your news. I'm glad you have a room to come to, 7/24, here in AgingCare land. I look forward to reading the responses from others. I, too, am embarking on life-planning 'stuff', since I'm newly 65, newly single, and I've shared ad nauseum here, no family (even though I have two living sisters).

I’m so sorry about your diagnosis. I think your husband is wonderful to offer and may just be trying to take away some of your worry. This would be a good question for an elder care attorney. Usually the first visit is free and they can direct you on what you need to do.

xray - wishing you a full recovery from the cancer.

xray: Sending you wishes for a full recovery.

You’ve gotten great advice to write everything you do out for your husband and see if he wants to take on POA. I’m just hear to add good wishes and prayers for your treatments to go well and your recovery to be soon

Oh, xrayjodib, I am so sorry for your diagnosis! I can't imagine. I'm relieved for you that you can come here for support. *hug*

In my state (Wyoming, USA), I couldn't find any agencies to take on POA duties for me if the worst happened. My bank, through its trust department, can take over my estate if I'm mentally incompetent. The bank charges a small percentage every year. (I have siblings but I had to cut off contact for my well being.) My bank is now set up to take over my living trust and my "estate" if I'm ever declared mentally incompetent.

Alice234 mentioned that unless your aunt is declared incompetent she can, during lucid times, sign a new POA. She needs to be cognizant to fully understand what she's signing and its impact on her. If that's possible with her, perhaps seek a lawyer (or write your own if you feel secure in doing so) to write a new POA that includes Substitute Agents (backups) to take over for you.

No matter what, set up all her bills or other items so they're all auto-paid or at least on autopilot. Also, go to your aunt's AL facility and speak with the head person. Let them know what's happening and ask for their advice. I'm sure they've experienced or witnessed things like this. Perhaps, with your POA, you can annotate your husband as a contact and authorize him to act for you.

On a last note, I commend you for asking such questions on the very day you were diagnosed!

Lean on us. *hug*

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and sending positive thoughts your way. Just an idea here. I took over responsibility for my mother's finances and medical care. I am 65 and single with 2 siblings who are happy to let me do this.

When I realized how bad the virus was getting and that I was considered vulnerable I began to get worried about what might happen to Mom is I should get sick, or worse, die.

I got all of my own and Mom's important information and documents organized and made a chart listing numbers, phone numbers, passwords, etc for each account. I included doctor details, my vet, household and utility accounts, which were automatic withdrawals, timing of payments, everything I could think of. It's incredible the details you need to know to have someone pickup your life.

All of this is in a secure place my brother can access if the need comes and I feel much more in control of the future.

If nothing else this activity might keep you distracted, let you purge a lot of unnecessary papers, and give your husband some idea of what he has volunteered to take over. Good luck.

You have so much on your plate, and now this diagnosis.............I want to send you a big HUG and some words of encouragement, my friend.

My ex husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer just under 5 years ago. His prognosis was grim, the oncologist said. Well, here he is, nearly 5 years later, doing FINE! ALL of his PET scans are 100% clear! And this is after the cancer had metastasized into his lungs and liver! This is a true story. The ex had chemo treatments for about a year, and has 'maintenance' chemo about 6x a year now (his choice); the doctor leaves the decision up to him entirely as he feels it's not 100% required. He lives a normal life, has two dogs he walks every day for over a mile, and eats and drinks whatever he wants.

Just thought you'd like to hear a story like that to boost your spirits. Have faith, stay strong, and figure out who will take over the care of your Aunt while you attend to YOURSELF now, okay?