Mom with dementia can sign her name presently. However, as her disease progresses, this may not remain true. I have POA for both legal and healthcare purposes. Would this make me legally responsible for her bill if she was unable to sign herself into the hospital in the event she had to be admitted?
I am conservator/POA for my adult disabled son for 'Person" only, therefore I assume no responsibility for any estate or finances incurred.
My mom died recently, on the 19th. Older sis from off-island rode on the ambulance with mom (died in her sleep at home.) As she filled the registered papers, she had asked the lady if she would end up paying for mom's expenses (autopsy, use of ER room, etc...) The lady lowered her voice and said not to sign the last one.
As for myself, because I became the main caregiver for both of my 2 bedridden parents 2yrs ago, I knew that I would be the one taking them to the hospital. I Googled the information. I found that the best option is NOT to sign it. The next option is writing, "so-and-so, as representative of..." then my parent's name. I'm not sure if this will apply since I signed the last dotted line!
Also, last year the HLN news reported that some states have passed a law that the hospital (other medical institutions) can go after the children to pay for their parent's medical bills. So, best to check if your state has passed this law.
bookworm is right about different states going after one's children to get paid. Check the law for your state and make sure all is okay. leeplus3 is also correct - you should have a 2 separate POA’s one for as Admin for to handle your parent(s) finances.
Anyone that does not have Will & Estate/POA etc. will find themselves dealing with a lot of issues. Make sure you have one for yourself. I've talked to a lot of people who think they have nothing to worry about and then find themselves up against the wall as well as their family members.
Jeremy Smith, not personally, but
solely as Power of Attorney for Joanna Smith
It's my understanding that there's a big difference in signing personally and as power of attorney and that distinction is made abundantly clear, it should hopefully alleviate any questions. And also, get copies of everything that you sign and keep them in a file regarding your loved one.
Again, I'm no expert, but have seen these before and hope this helps someone.
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