Mom has dementia, Dad is still alive and well. I am worried if something happens to Dad that I need to have some legal paperwork in place to legally care for mom. Make decisions for MOm. Do I need to obtain joint guardianship of Mom if Dad is alive and well and able to give me POA?
If you have any doubts about this, I would question an attorney who specializes in eldercare. You will need him for guardianship anyway, should you decide to go that route.
Perhaps the attorney can help you out there. By the way. Your parents probably have what is called a "Sweetheart Will", that is to say what is mine is yours and what is yours is mine. Naming each other as beneficiary. After the first one passes, you should have the second one remake their will to reflect a new beneficiary.