Highlights:

1. Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of someone else.

2. Becoming a POA requires legal documentation, signatures, and sometimes notarization.

3. The tendercare app helps families manage care, including coordinating care for loved ones with POA responsibilities.

What is Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on behalf of another person (the principal). This authority can cover financial, medical, and legal decisions, depending on the type of POA granted.

How to Become a Power of Attorney

To become a POA for a loved one, follow these steps:

1. Determine the type of POA – General, Financial, Medical, Durable, or Limited.

2. Draft the POA document – This can be done with a lawyer or using a state-approved form.

3. Get it signed and notarized – The principal must sign the document while of sound mind, and many states require notarization or witnesses.

4. File the POA where necessary – Some financial or medical institutions may require a copy.

What You Can Do as a Power of Attorney

As a POA, your responsibilities depend on the document’s terms, but common duties include:

• Managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling finances.

• Making medical decisions (if you have a Medical POA).

• Signing legal documents and managing property transactions.

• Coordinating eldercare services, including hiring caregivers.

What Power of Attorney Cannot Do

While a POA grants authority, there are limits:

• Cannot override the principal’s wishes if they are still mentally competent.

• Cannot make changes to the principal’s will.

• Cannot transfer assets to themselves unless explicitly stated.

• Cannot make decisions after the principal’s death—authority ends upon death.

Managing caregiving with the tendercare

Handling POA responsibilities, especially for aging loved ones, can be overwhelming. The tendercare app helps by:

• Coordinating caregivers and medical services.

• Tracking financial and care-related expenses.

• Keeping all necessary documents in one place.

Summary

A Power of Attorney is a vital legal tool for managing a loved one’s affairs, ensuring financial and medical decisions are handled properly. While it comes with responsibilities, it has clear limitations. The tendercare app makes eldercare management easier by helping POA agents organize and oversee care for aging parents and loved ones.

Need help managing eldercare? Download tendercare today!