She is 93 and lives with me...does have dementia but seems to respond to questions from others quite well....my 34 year marriage , my business, and my hub are suffering being the only caregivers and a cousin who said she would take my mother in aug. Has now bumped it to October supposedly..no one has POA as of now....if she goes to live with my cousin 2000 miles away should she have it? There are no assets whatsoever involved other than her SS check
My family - we have each others back, if one becomes ill or can't do the job, it is written in the Will for the other to take over.
This has nothing to do with POA's, but my thought is how well does your mother know/remember your cousin? If she does GREAT! If she does not remember, your mother may feel as though she is in a strange place if not a strangers home, which can reduce her life span if she becomes depressed or more confused - please make sure her surroundings are hers. Anything she has or likes, put it near her or in her room especially photo's of you and those she is or was very close too. You would be surprise what they have stored in the mind.
Knowing people in the business of Home Care and dealing with caregivers, you be surprised what happens to those young and old when those they know and recognize are not around.
Good luck
Without financial assets, you may not need a POA for most things. However, you are at the stage where you need an advanced directive stating what mom wants in case medical decisions at such an advanced age. If the cousin is taking her she might wish to get both, since you will be too far away at 2000 miles to react to medical emergencies.
You have done a great job looking after your mum, it's time to pass the reins to someone else to give yourself a break.
How lucky you are to have a lovely cousin willing to care for Mum! (I see too many postings from Carers saying siblings refuse to help, so your cousin is a special person.
Your cousin needs legal and Medica PoA, so that there is no danger of delay with medical issues with Mum.
Need to also ensure mum has written a will (nit sure how far gone she is, need to check 'of sound mind' bit) Uncomfortable conversation, but critical.
God bless you and hugs from over the pond in the UK xx