Poa is never personally liable for parents bills. They need to write "poa" after their name when signing admit forms to AL or nursing home. If found guilty of wrong doing, after a lawsuit, they could be ordered to pay damages etc but that is only if they defrauded their parents (and someone brought the lawsuit).
A question? I thought the ALF keeps on top of money you have so when you are coming close to running out, the medicaid applications starts before you do. My Aunts ALF called my cousin saying my Aunt only had 60,000 left and that would be used up w/i the year. They recommended putting her in the nursing section. Her money went faster but it was easier to get medicaid. I don't understand why a POA would be responsible for any outstanding amounts. They are there only to help the parent pay bills. Unless they have "skimmed" money from the parent, then I don't see a problem. If it's found they used money for personnel use, then they would have to pay that back, I'd assume. Best thing...talk to the Lawyer who drew up the POA.
Thanks for info. I try to remember the POA. All I've done is sign for payment of bills she owes on the house. I did cash in a CD when she was in rehab to cover the amount that Medicare and suppliment didn't pay. Only money going to me is when I used my credit cared and reinbursed myself. Those receipts are in her files.
In Arizona, I was given the exact same answer by our eldercare attorney! EVERYTHING I sign on behalf of my parents must contain the initials POA after my name. Sometimes, an agency also has 'Attorney in fact" written after my signature for their forms, but even then, I sign my name with the POA initials.
When I added my name to the checking accounts, I also had it printed with POA after my name, just as a back up, in case I forgot....but I try to be VERY CAREFUL with that signature because my husband and I have way less assets than my parents do.....and we need what little we have to care for ourselves!!
When I added my name to the checking accounts, I also had it printed with POA after my name, just as a back up, in case I forgot....but I try to be VERY CAREFUL with that signature because my husband and I have way less assets than my parents do.....and we need what little we have to care for ourselves!!