Back for my second parent - Help! - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

WannaBeFreeToRoam · 05-15-2008, 01:49 PM

Hi to everyone,

Some of you will remember me and some will not.

I need to help with the issue of Bank Accounts and other financial things.

Right now, I am on only 1 of my mom's 3 accounts. I was on 2. Mom and the financial help person at her bank, changed 1 account (money market) so she would get more interest. I just hope and pray that mom will put me on the 2nd one again, this Friday. Just have to get my mom to go to her bank with me.

My dad had alzheimers and parkinsons. I did their bills and taxes for them for about 4 years. He died in Sept. 2007.

I am my moms POA. But we have not done "it" totally, because my mom was fairly normal, up until the last 3 months. She is now about a level 4 on the alz. list.

This is my main question. Can I be her POA legally and her be able to pay her bills too? Say like us two being equal in everthing (especially having to do with money) ?

Let me here what yall think about my situation. I am computerless at the moment. I just go to my library about every other day.

Thanks for all your help.

Love, Wannabe

Gabriel · 05-15-2008, 03:41 PM

It is good to hear from you again wannabe but I wish it was not under these circumstances. I am truly sorry to hear of your Mom's difficulties.

I believe the answer to your question is YES! We have had POA's on Mom and Dad for years that were not registered at the court house. When Mom and Dad needed to move to AL we activated the POA. Mom and Dad can still sign but the POA gives my sister the power to sign as well. I have a separate POA specific to Mom's Investment Accounts and signature rights on her checking account. That lets me handle her financials. If I need anything more I just have my sister fax them her POA with permission for me to do what I need to do. It would help if your Mom with with you and put you on all of her accounts. Just makes it easier though I belive you can do the same if you activate the POA. Having your name on the accounts just means you don't have to show the paper every time a new teller appears behind the window.

I do wish you good luck with your Mom and hope it goes as well as possible for you. Again, it is good to hear from you again. You were a great help to me when I first arrived on the form and for that I thank you.

I will keep you and your Mom in my thoughts and prayers.

Love, deb

Raffeer · 05-15-2008, 08:31 PM

ToBe-
There are two types of Power of Attorney. A simple POA allows you to act as an "agent" of your Mother i.e. to act at her direction. Should she no longer be able to "direct" you that type of POA is useless. However I am assuming you have a "Durable" POA which will enable you to act both FOR her when she is unable to direct you as well as when she is able. Certainly when she is able she can act for herself at the bank or anywhere else.
Also there have been references to registering a POA at the courthouse. This is apparently a local thing. Check the state where you live. I know that in Florida, NY and NJ this is not done.
Hope this helps and I also remember your contributions to this board prior to your father's death.
Raffeer

gemini1961 · 05-15-2008, 11:58 PM

I miss my Joanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you'll have to 'hoodwink' Mum with a story - sadly .........

You could try along the lines of:

You know how Dad got sick quick? If that happens to you, at least I can help better (or something along those lines).

And find yourself an elder-care lawyer to cover your behind.

Hugs .. Miss you!
Sally

Martha H · 05-16-2008, 03:09 AM

Hi Wannabe,

glad to have you back but sorry your Mom is doing poorly. Good luck with all the hassles you are going to go through with her. My days as an AD caregiver are over. I miss my Mom, but I know she has gone to a better place where she is free and clear in the mind.

Love,

Martha