Sorry to be doom and gloom!!
Today I received the diagnosis of colon cancer. Not sure yet what stage. Even though everyone was telling me that my "symptoms " were nothing to worry about, I somehow knew. I have the feeling that things are gonna get worse before they hopefully get better.
My biggest concern is the care of my Aunt!!
Her son is in a homeless shelter or under a bridge. My 2 brothers have huge financial issues (tax liens).
In the event that my health goes south, who can I trust with my Aunt's affairs??
My husband says he would take over her financials, but I don't think he realizes the extent of what I do. He's a busy man.
How could he become POA without my Aunt's signature?
Have any of you delt with this?
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?
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.
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*
I hope that helps. Take care.
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!
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.
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.
It's not that I feel "onerous".
My brother is also on the POA.
He and my other brother have huge financial issues. Again Tax Liens.
My brother (dual POA), was executor of my father's estate. Because my brothers name was on estate account the Government seized the funds for back taxes.
So this is why neither one of my brothers are able to take over my Aunts finances.
My husband is willing, however, I have no idea how to "legally " make him responsible in the event that I am not able.
Maybe it's easier for you being next of kin?
In this situation the only son is mentally ill and has a restraining order against him on my Aunts behalf.
The proceeds from the sale of her home are in an account in her name with me as an authorized user. Unless I authorize someone else, what will happen if something happens to me?
Do you see my dilemma?
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)
Thanks!!
It may sound strange, but this is the one place I feel safe for venting. Anonymous!
I thought things couldn't get any worse after becoming responsible for my Aunt and my Mother.
Guess I was wrong!!
I love the fact that we caregivers can all come here and bare our souls! It's therapeutic.
I am so grateful for everyone on this site!