When a parent, spouse or loved one is living with dementia, there may come a time when they need more help managing important decisions. Having a power of attorney for dementia can allow an appointed person to step in to handle certain financial, healthcare or legal responsibilities as their needs change.
When you have a valid power of attorney, you generally sign documents in a way that identifies both your loved one and your role as their authorized agent. Having a dementia diagnosis does not automatically give a family member power of attorney and your responsibilities depend on the authority provided in the document.
A Power of Attorney (POA) can become especially important as dementia progresses and a parent needs more help managing finances, healthcare or other responsibilities. Understanding the boundaries of that authority can help you step in appropriately when support is needed.
How Does Power of Attorney Work When Someone Has Dementia?
A power of attorney allows one person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of another person, known as the principal, within the authority provided by the document.
A dementia diagnosis alone does not determine whether someone can create or change a POA. Questions about legal capacity depend on individual circumstances and applicable law. Ideally, these conversations begin early enough for an older adult to participate and communicate their preferences.
How to Sign as a POA for a Loved One With Dementia
If you’ve already been legally appointed as your loved one’s agent, there are a few things to check before using that authority.
1. Review What the POA Allows
Not every POA grants the same powers. Confirm that the document is active and covers the financial, legal or care-related action you’re taking.
This matters when coordinating with different organizations, including banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers and senior care communities.
2. Make Your Role Clear When Signing
Your signature should show that you’re acting for your loved one rather than in your personal capacity.
The organization receiving the document may have its own preferred format, so it’s helpful to confirm its requirements first.
3. Keep the POA Accessible
Banks, healthcare providers and other organizations may request the POA before discussing information or accepting documents from you. Keeping a copy readily available can make these interactions easier.
What Decisions Might Come Up During Dementia Care?
As dementia changes a person’s ability to manage everyday responsibilities, an appointed agent may become more involved. The decisions they can make will depend on the type of POA in place.
Financial Responsibilities
A financial POA may authorize an agent to manage bills, banking, insurance, property or other financial matters. These responsibilities can become particularly relevant when planning how to pay for long-term care.
It’s also helpful to understand what public programs cover. Medicare generally does not cover long-term custodial care. Colorado residents who meet eligibility requirements may have access to certain services through programs. (Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, 2018)
Healthcare Decisions
A healthcare POA concerns medical decision-making and is separate from general financial authority. It can identify who is authorized to make certain healthcare decisions if the older adult becomes unable to make them independently.
Healthcare directives, medication information and other medical records can also be useful to organize as part of future care planning.
Memory Care Planning
Changes such as increased confusion, wandering, difficulty with everyday routines or greater need for supervision may lead families to consider specialized memory care.
Depending on the authority granted, a POA may allow an agent to handle certain financial, contractual or healthcare responsibilities associated with that transition.
Common POA Mistakes to Avoid
When handling responsibilities for someone with dementia, a few common mistakes can create unnecessary complications:
- Signing your name without identifying yourself as the agent
- Making it appear that your loved one personally signed
- Assuming a financial POA also grants healthcare authority
- Acting beyond the powers provided in the document
- Waiting until an urgent situation to locate important paperwork
- Assuming every organization follows the same signing process
Before completing an important transaction, review the POA and ask the organization involved about any additional requirements.
Memory Care at Applewood Our House South Lakewood
Power of attorney can help families manage certain practical responsibilities, but planning for dementia also means considering what kind of everyday support a loved one may need.
At Applewood Our House South Lakewood, we specialize in memory care for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our South Lakewood home offers 16 private and companion rooms in an intimate residential environment, with around-the-clock support and a team experienced in dementia care.
We’re here to help you understand the memory care side of the transition, including your loved one’s daily support, routines and what life in our home can look like.
Take the Next Step With Us
Planning for memory care involves many decisions, from getting important documents to understanding the kind of support your loved one may need. Starting early gives your family more time to ask questions, consider your options and make thoughtful choices based on your loved one’s needs.
We invite you to come see what life at our South Lakewood home can look like. Contact Applewood Our House South Lakewood or call (720) 639-4207 to ask questions and schedule a personalized tour. We’re here to help make the next steps feel a little easier to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I sign as POA for someone with dementia?
Your signature should identify that you’re acting as an authorized agent. For example, you might sign “Jane Smith, by John Smith, her attorney-in-fact.” Check whether the organization receiving the document requires a particular format.
Q2. Does a POA let me make healthcare decisions for someone with dementia?
Not necessarily. Financial and healthcare powers of attorney serve different purposes. The authority you have depends on the type and terms of the document.
Q3. How can a POA help when a loved one moves to memory care?
Depending on the authority granted, an agent may be able to manage financial matters, insurance, contracts or certain care-related responsibilities associated with the transition to memory care.