From my moms acct at end of month and pay my credit card for those purchases. Is this ok to do if I am keeping the statements tgst dhow the paper trail.
I kept all receipts for things I bought Mom out of pocket. At the eom I wrote myself a check for the amt due me. I put the receipts in an envelope with the check number, month and amout on the outside of an evnvelope and filed it. Moms bank statement was proof the money went in a nd went out. I do not own a bankcard and I did not allow Mom one.
While I'm sure it's fine as long as you keep good records I used my mom's credit card for all of her purchases, for me that simplified things and there was no chance of confusion; I also like that there was a monthly statement.
When my daddy was very ill and I took over for him - I added my name to his credit card easy over the internet. Then I just made a file for all his items - invoices from the facility, hair cut receipts, incontinence supplies etc... anything that was his. After he passed away and it was time to do his taxes I grab that folder took it to the tax guy and it was that easy. Just keep all the receipts that is what is your proof! Blessings
I was advised by our elder law attorney that while that is probably ok, it is much better to use your mom’s money directly. Use her credit card or checkbook. It will save hassle with Medicaid if/when you reach that point.
If you are POA you can pay for your mother's things almost any way you choose, and you are allowed as POA to reimburse yourself. As you say, the important part is keeping CAREFUL and METICULOUS files of expenditure. I would say then, that the easiest was to pay is by check from an account set up that belongs to your mother and checks are signed by her name with you as POA and signee.
If you have questions about any of this do know that an elder law attorney, one hour of time, is ALSO paid by the POA documents as "expert advice" which you are allowed to seek. They can explain how best to do things.
The paper trail is the most important thing. You can also keep diaries of expenditures daily. Wishing you the best.
I did the same with my BIL I would pay for things then get paid back from the payee acct.
One thing I learned after all the things that happened to me is to keep very good records of what you spent, the receipts of all you spent because there might be one day someone turns you in. For me it was being turned into social security I was my BIL's rep payee. It was the last straw for me family can be cruel. If anything to do with money keep the receipts for everything. I did that and that is what saved me from going to jail. I proved I spent every dime on his care. I also kept written records of what I spent on him.
Katjacks, any time I used my own credit card to purchase items my Dad needed, I made a copy of that receipt and placed it into a 3-ring binder. Some of those narrow receipts are a bear to deal with so copying them onto 8.5x11 paper was so much easier. Those mile long drug store receipts, just cut off the first section to use.
At the end of the month, I wrote myself a check from a checking account which had both my Dad's name and my name. I made a copy of that check before mailing to place in the 3-ring binder.
When I was conservator for my mom, I kept one of her old credit cards and we added my name while she was still able to communicate her wishes. Her name was the primary name on the card and I was the only keeper of the card. It streamlined my accounting for probate because the paper bills were itemized and it was easy to use the state probate accounting form to report one bill (credit) and any thing like medical supplies. Occasionally I would make a mistake and pull out my similar credit card. This required me to do more paperwork including putting an itemized copy of my cc bill into her files to justify paying myself. when she passed I closed out the account with a death certificate. I also had my name on one of her old long time bank accounts for the same purposes but also for her SS checks and any other retirement income that was direct deposited.
I do want to make a statement with joint POAs, Many post on the Forum that one person should be handling the accounts with the second as a back up. In addition to the bank account. I had my brother's name without holding any of the checkbooks or credit cards. He was my back up if anything happened to me. Only the court recognized me for filing paperwork but it would have allowed enough time to keep bills paid and my brother would have gone to probate to become legal conservator if needed. His name was also on my mom's POA it is just I had the first legal standing and was willing to accept accountability. It is just that during the in between stage, when mom was being scammed, her POA and the way it was written, was not recognized at the time.
No. Use your mom's money for her care. But, if you have POA for her, add your name to her account to get her bills paid. When it comes to Medicare someday, it gets spent down from your mom's money only, none from you.
Just keep impeccable records, is all I'll say. Documentation with receipts for everything you are buying/being reimbursed for.
As you say, the important part is keeping CAREFUL and METICULOUS files of expenditure. I would say then, that the easiest was to pay is by check from an account set up that belongs to your mother and checks are signed by her name with you as POA and signee.
If you have questions about any of this do know that an elder law attorney, one hour of time, is ALSO paid by the POA documents as "expert advice" which you are allowed to seek. They can explain how best to do things.
The paper trail is the most important thing. You can also keep diaries of expenditures daily.
Wishing you the best.
One thing I learned after all the things that happened to me is to keep very good records of what you spent, the receipts of all you spent because there might be one day someone turns you in. For me it was being turned into social security I was my BIL's rep payee. It was the last straw for me family can be cruel. If anything to do with money keep the receipts for everything. I did that and that is what saved me from going to jail. I proved I spent every dime on his care. I also kept written records of what I spent on him.
Prayers
At the end of the month, I wrote myself a check from a checking account which had both my Dad's name and my name. I made a copy of that check before mailing to place in the 3-ring binder.
I do want to make a statement with joint POAs, Many post on the Forum that one person should be handling the accounts with the second as a back up. In addition to the bank account. I had my brother's name without holding any of the checkbooks or credit cards. He was my back up if anything happened to me. Only the court recognized me for filing paperwork but it would have allowed enough time to keep bills paid and my brother would have gone to probate to become legal conservator if needed. His name was also on my mom's POA it is just I had the first legal standing and was willing to accept accountability. It is just that during the in between stage, when mom was being scammed, her POA and the way it was written, was not recognized at the time.