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In the last 4 years, I’ve been my mother’s POA. She’s currently living in an assisted living facility. This past September I was diagnosed with cancer and I’m in stage 4 cancer with limited time left. I don’t have anyone in my family who’s willing to be her POA.


What will happen to her after I die? I currently handle her finances and I’ve been trying to reach out to the facility that she lives, but they don’t respond back!

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Very sorry for your situation. I would agree with others that you should find an experienced elder care/estate attorney who will be able to help you set up a legal plan for your mother’s continued care. I would not seek assistance from the facility for this and would likewise not try to use a state agency to manage this as there are conflicts of interest and other legal issues beyond their scope. A state agency might be helpful in giving you some ideas, but hire a good attorney to do the actual legal work. Prayers for you - as a caretaker for your mother you are already an angel on earth.
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Reply to jemfleming
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Contact social services or case management at her facility. Let them know that your mom will need a guardian ad litem appointed by the courts. Get the process started now since you can hand over everything in an orderly manner while you are capable.
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Reply to Taarna
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Smokie3407: Retain an attorney.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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I am sorry for your personal medical issues. I set up a trust for my husband's care in the event that I die before him. I can move money into the trust now, and can leave the trust as my primary beneficiary in case of my death. The trust gives my niece the power to transfer money into the trust, and sell property to put assets into the trust. I have a niece as trustee upon my death. So, she will handle the finances. An elder care attorney wrote it up.
I have told my family to contact APS and have them appoint a legal guardian who will place him in facility care and handle the day to day decisions. None of my family want to apply to be guardian.
I found this solution to be the best for us, since no one wanted to be guardian, but was okay with handling the finances, and I can trust my family.
If no one wants to be Trustee, the elder attorney can let you know options.
I wish you prayers.
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Reply to JanPeck123
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Oh Smokie, I am so sad for you. As others have mentioned, you might need a lawyer to help you. Wishing you all the best as you navigate these tough days.
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Reply to graygrammie
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First of all, my thoughts are with YOU. I'm sorry for your own personal struggle. I have found great peace in finding a fiduciary. They can take over right now instead of waiting until its absolutely necessary . With the right legal consent they can take handle everything.

Good luck and love to you!
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Reply to Revajane
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I don’t know the specifics of your dx but I was dx with de novo MBC three years ago and it was the trigger to move mom out of my house into IL (she’s in AL now) so I could reduce my stress and deal with everything. Finding a successor POA, etc, was top priority! I did not want to leave her care to my husband. My cousin who lives about 3-4 hours away agreed and I set up all the paperwork with an estate attorney which was a huge relief. I understand how taking care of the ones you’ll leave behind can be top of mind with this diagnosis. I hope you can get this resolved quickly so you can concentrate on taking care of yourself. I’ve been incredibly blessed that I am still here and doing well. But I really hope I don’t predecease my mom (90). It would be better for her to walk on first.
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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If i am not mistaken, most ALFs will take the responsibility of being POAs with appropriate oks. Sit on the facility doorstep until someone responds unless there are circumstances that preclude them from doing it.
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Reply to PandaKing
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It also depends how financially sound she is to afford appointed professionals. Otherwise she can be a ward of the state. See an attorney for options. Your homework will be to bring info on her assetts
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Reply to MACinCT
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Alva already gave the answer .

I just want to say, so sorry .
(((Hugs))).
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Reply to waytomisery
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Consult an attorney who will help you find a Licensed Fiduciary. They are best acquainted with good ones in your area who can be appointed by the court for those without anyone to care for them--many of our elders do not have children. It is important I think that you get everything in place and up and running now. The State can take guardianship of your mother as well.

See an attorney, and know I am so sorry for your diagnosis. And sorry for the prognosis of limited time left. There are so many ways to fight this disease now; I trust you have gone through them all with your docs. I am sorry.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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So Sorry To Hear This Smokie .
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Reply to KNance72
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JuliaH Mar 6, 2025
Really! Caregiver and terminal illness, so rough for Smokie!
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