How do I afford all this?  Ask a resident… >

What is a Power of Attorney? Why Do Seniors Need One?

One of the biggest stressors in life is worrying about the unknown. What’s in that thick envelope addressed to your name? Have much will you pay in taxes this year? While no one wants to think about potential problems, addressing challenges head-on before they become an issue is the best way to alleviate yourself of burden.

Obtaining a power of attorney is a proactive way to ensure your wishes are implemented accurately. But what is a power of attorney, exactly? And what can a power of attorney do? Below, we break the basics of this legal document so you can decide the best path forward for you.

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows you to designate a person to make decisions on your behalf. As the person who designates a power of attorney, you are known as the principal. The person you designate as your executor is known as your agent.

Durable vs. Non-Durable POA

You should decide who you want to designate as your power of attorney and if you’re going to grant them durable or non-durable rights. A durable POA remains in effect if you become disabled, including instances of cognitive decline or an unforeseen accident. A durable POA assures that someone will make important decisions on your behalf if you can’t take care of them yourself.

A non-durable POA grants your agent authority to execute your wishes for a limited period. You set the condition for when a non-durable POA ends, such as in the event that you become disabled. You can also choose a specific time frame. For example, if you can’t be present at the signing of a document, you can appoint a non-durable POA to sign on your behalf.

Power of Attorney Rights and Limitations

While a power of attorney can be a helpful tool to protect your wellbeing, it’s not a cure-all for every situation. There are different types of power of attorneys, and it’s important to understand the scope of rights and limitations.

Common POA rights include:

Financial Power of Attorney Rights

In a financial scenario, your agent takes care of monetary decisions to ensure your financial health. Such instances include:

  • Applying for government benefits
  • Filing tax returns
  • Managing financial obligations
  • Buying and selling property
Civitas Senior Living | Senior signing a document
Daisy Daisy – stock.adobe.com

Medical Power of Attorney Rights

  • As a medical POA, the agent can make decisions on behalf of the principal.
  • This POA comes in handy if you are unable to make decisions about your medical treatment. For example, if you lose consciousness, the principal can discuss potential treatments with the medical staff and determine the best option on your behalf.

POA Limitations Include:

  • The agent cannot shift the POA to someone else.
  • The agent cannot make alterations to the principal’s will.
  • The agent cannot make decisions after the principal’s death.

How to Get Power of Attorney for an Elderly Parent

The best rule of thumb is to designate a power of attorney before you need it. In an emergency, the last thing you want to deal with is legal paperwork. Choose a person who you trust and who is committed to understanding the ins and outs of your situation, be it financial, medical, or otherwise.

Once you’ve settled on a trustworthy person to act on your behalf, we advise that you contact an elder law attorney who can draft a power of attorney tailor-made for your needs. Every person’s circumstance is different, and the generic power of attorney forms available online will likely not provide a holistic view of your situation. Additionally, the requirements vary between states. A lawyer will give you the peace of mind that your power of attorney is drafted and executed appropriately.

 

Have questions about your path forward? The staff at Civitas Senior Living is always here to help. Contact a compassionate caregiver, and let us know how we can be there for you.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

The information presented on or through the website is made available solely for general information purposes. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. The information contained herein does not constitute the giving of medical, health, or fitness advice. Users of the website must consult their physicians regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to their conditions. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such materials by you or any other visitor to the website, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents

June Savings!

Move in by June 30 and receive free rent in July and August!*

Only a few days left to grab this DEAL!

*Offer expires 6/30/23 and only applies to base rent.

Spring

Into Savings!

Move into Arabella of Red Oak by
March 31, 2024, and enjoy

FREE RENT

for a month!

Fill out the form below to claim your new home.

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Sweetheart Savings

Move in this February to receive up to one month of free rent.*

Fill out the form below to claim these savings!

*Incentive must be claimed and used by February 29, 2024. Certain restrictions apply.

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Happy New Year
and New You!

2024 is going to be a great year.
It’s also a great price!

Take charge of the new year and move into
Arabella of Red Oak for

$20.24 for the first month’s rent

and a

community fee of only $20.24!

Act by January 31, 2024 to receive this special offer. Fill out the form below to claim this opportunity!

*Savings applies to base rent only. Care costs may vary.

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Claim Your Rent-Free Months at Arabella of Red Oak Now!

‘Tis the season for giving, and we’re extending the holiday spirit for a limited time!
Move in by 12/31/2023:
• Free December Rent
• Free January Rent
• Free rent during your birthday month – for life!
Move in by 12/31/2023:
• Free December Rent
• Free January Rent
• Free rent during your next birthday month

Fill out the form now to secure your rent-free months!*

*Offer is limited and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Free rent applies to the base rate only. Care charges may apply.

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

The Season of Savings Continues

Celebrate the Season of Thanks with COMMUNITY!

Join us in time to celebrate the season of gratitude and savings. Exclusive November blessings are here!

Exclusive November Incentives Extended:

Fill out the form below and discover how to get three months of deeply discounted rent and more!*

Fill out the form below and discover how to receive deeply discounted rent, $500 off your community fee and a rate lock until 2025!*

Fill out the form to schedule a tour!

*Offer expires 11/17/23

*Offer expires 11/30/23

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

The Season of Savings Continues

Celebrate the Season of Thanks with Arabella of Red Oak!

Join us in time to celebrate the season of gratitude and savings. Exclusive November blessings are here!

Exclusive November Incentives Extended:

Fill out the form below and discover how to get three months of deeply discounted rent, waived fees, and a rate lock until 2025!*

Fill out the form below and discover how to receive one month free rent and $500 off your community fee!*

Fill out the form to schedule a tour!

*Offer expires 11/17/23

*Offer expires 11/30/23

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Enjoy the fall and rake in the savings!

Move in now and save $6,500 on independent living or memory care. Save $5,000 on assisted living. Independent living starts at $2,530.*

Fill out the form to schedule a tour!

*Offers expire 10/31/23

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Schedule a Tour Today!

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

Summer Promo

How much can you save?

Click below to receive your mystery savings!

By submitting this form, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Privacy Policy. You also consent that we can reach out to you either by phone or by using a phone system that can auto-dial numbers. Your consent is not required to use our service.

*Offer expires 7/31/23.

This website uses cookies according to our Privacy Policy.