Power of Attorney problems

April 26, 2012

Hi all:

An update on Mom. She broke her hip on March 17th and is still in the hospital

because she's confused. Then there was a strike threatened, the unit she was in

was closed. They moved her on Tuesday from her private room to a ward in another

unit, three roommates. *sigh* She's more confused than ever now. I still don't

know if LBD is what the problem is, but sure seems like it.

Meanwhile, I've started the process to get her into long term care. Here in

Canada many of these facilities are subsidized, but you need to provide a tax

return to prove income. Of course the taxes hadn't been done in several years.

Grr!

So I faxed my POA to Canada Revenue and that was that, they will now speak with

me about her accounts, send me what I need. Social Security, I called and asked

if they'd send materials from the last couple of years to the address they have

on file for her. No problem.

Last stop, the bank. I need some tax receipts from her investments to complete

her tax return. Can I just fax the document to them? No, I have to make an

appointment to come in and meet with them. Fine, did that, got there last night

and expected to leave with the documents I needed.

But NO! They first have to send the POA to their legal department to approve,

which will take several days. Then once it's OK'd, they want to TALK to her, to

make sure it's OK by her that I'm using the POA. WHAT? I was like, why the heck

do you think I'm here with this POA, she is no longer competent to make

decisions for herself! Oh, then we'll need a letter from her doctor stating

that.

What the hell? I've never had to use a Power of Attorney document before, but

does it make sense you'd have to ask permission to make use of it, or prove that

the person is no longer competent? That permission was given when she signed the

damned thing 15 years ago, one of the reasons why you don't give POA to someone

you can't trust with your affairs.

Does anyone have any insight on this? Am I being led down the garden path?

Thanks!

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