Grandma's finally in a nursing facility. We had to convince them that nobody was able to care for her after her rehab, which was true. Cousin still has failing health, my mom has mental illnesses and so do I, plus I'm barely 30 and still trying to find steady work... But my question is- now that she's in a nursing home, what should I do with her mail? Just not sure what kind of options to expect the post office to give me. I remember she used to get a lot of junk mail and I mean A LOT! I don't want my cousin to keep getting her mail, but I don't want it either. Just the important stuff. I suppose I could block ALL her mail and the nursing home would just have to email info.
And here's where part two comes in. I was recently sent a bill from the nursing home's pharmacy for $2000-something dollars in meds alone. I guess the social security check they're taking isn't enough, and Medicaid had not been submitted yet. (I was out of the country for some weeks so working on the process now). Even the bill says I don't need to pay it unless Medicaid says otherwise. But, I'm just worried. Now I see why families are highly reluctant to put loved ones in a home. It's too expensive. But what do you do when subsidized living isn't enough? I almost want to transfer my power of attorney to the state of PA because it's jusy confusing and I'm too young to be worried about being broke already let alone caring for someone of her caliber. (Alzheimer's and the like...)
I suppose you do need her important mail, but some people have no one. Their mail just goes to them at the NH. Not good. Right?
When I've done that, a few pieces of junk mail did get through, but nothing like the normal flood of junk stuff that used to be delivered.
As I recall the recipient (your grandmother) should sign; if she's not able to, or if she might object to allowing her mail to come elsewhere, you could sign as proxy under your DPOA; ask the post office if you're concerned.
For my deceased sister, I signed as Trustee, which I was.
I don't have enough experience with issues in your second question to answer that. There are plenty of people here who do and will eventually come along to help you out.