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Does it matter who signs admissions paperwork when resident is going in a ALF Memory Care or should a guardian sign?

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Yes. It matters. The guardian or POA signs as usually a resident is unable to understand what they are signing. But it is important legally how you sign. I signed for my brother but signed, say Dee Deer, by Alva Deer under POA (or POA). That means that Alva is signing for Dee as he cannot, but she is not assuming the responsiblity of PAYING. Dee is paying, even if Alva is the one who makes out the checks, or OKs the automatic withdrawal. So if the person can understand, they can sign. If they cannot, then their POA or their Guardian signs their name using POA to sign. It is important you do not personally take on liability.
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sunshine45 Jun 2020
AlvaDeer Thank you for your response. I thought the guardian of an incompetent resident is the one who signs the admissions paperwork. However, that is not what happens. For some unusual reason, whenever my BIL transfers from place to place, the Administrators and Social Workers ask my husband to sign instead of his guardian. I thought that was odd. Thank you again.
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I would tell them no. The guardian should be signing these forms. If you read carefully I guarantee that there is a financial responsibility statement in those admission forms.

You have to watch these places they are dirty dealing dogs.
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sunshine45 Jun 2020
Isthisrealyreal Thank you for responding. You said a mouthful about them being dirty. You are absolutely right. I really feel like that are playing dirty but before I gave them the benefit of doubt, I came here to see what you all thought.

The last Memory Care Unit my husband's brother was in, The Administrator had my husband to sign the Admissions paperwork. However, the Administrator of that facility "dumped him at the hospital" and refused to accept his back.

The thing is, Whenever the Administrator "dumped" him, she refused to give my husband any paperwork, claiming he was not the guardian. My husband and I recently were able to get our hands on the "discharge notice". She covered up what she was doing by putting on the discharge notice that she was discharging BIL to another Memory Care Unit when in fact that is not what she did.

I feel like they are trying to keep things covered up by having my husband sign all the paperwork although he is not the guardian. Thank you responding. At least
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If a person has a Guardian that means that they in all probability can not sign a contract.
The fact that you are a Guardian does not necessarily mean you are financially responsible personally for the cost.
I was Guardian for my Husband and any costs that I incurred came out of his account and I was paid back. (I kept receipts and at the end of the month I would total them up and write a check from his account to mine, this was all reviewed and had to be approved by the court about every 6 or 12 months) When the house we lived in was sold the money went into HIS account (my name was not on the deed)
In this case I would sign and indicate "As Guardian for....." But any expense has to be approved by the court so I would suggest that this be brought up and prior approval be given.
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It has been my experience as guardian / conservator for my dad that they always have me sign. They will not allow him to as he would have no idea what he is signing. I always sign my name and then 'guardian' or 'conservator' at the end, depending on the situation.
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haileybug Jun 2020
Babs75 My husband is not the guardian but the facilities want him to sign the admissions paperwork. Thank you
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If a person has a guardian and the person himself is forced to sign then the facility just created an illegal contract; make certain your papers for guardianship are turned in. Whatever happens, whatever you sign ALSO sign what who you are signing for, so that you are not help personally responsible for bills.
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Having the same problem. Mom in rehab now and being discharged in to Respite Care on Monday. They sent me admission paperwork to sign. I'm not her guardian and don't have POA. They are saying my mom has dementia, so wouldn't that mean she can't sign the papers either? Don't know what to do.
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Babs75 Jun 2020
My dad signed, even with dementia, up until I got guardianship 2 years ago. I read the paperwork to see what he was signing and he signed his name.
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IsthisReallyReal You are welcome. I'm doing well. Hope you are as well.
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If you have DPOA, HEALTH & FINANCIAL, you can sign on their behalf. I was told to sign this way: John Doe, by Jane Doe, Agent. This way you aren't seen as the responsible party.
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If there is a DPOA in effect, then that person signs as their agent. If there is no DPOA but a guardian, then the guardian signs as their agent. If neither of these apply, then the next of kin signs as the agent. Sign it as the agent for the person not the responsible party.
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haileybug Jun 2020
Peanuts56 Thanks for this information.
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Anyone with the POA—power of attorney.
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