How to Activate a Power of Attorney for Someone with Alzheimer's

When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it can be challenging to manage their financial and legal affairs. One solution is to activate a power of attorney (POA) to allow a trusted individual to make decisions on their behalf. Here are the steps to activate a POA for someone with Alzheimer's:

1. Choose a trusted agent: The first step is to select someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of making decisions on behalf of the person with Alzheimer's. This person should also be willing to take on the responsibility.

2. Determine the type of POA: There are different types of POAs, including general, limited, durable, and springing. A general POA grants broad powers to the agent, while a limited POA only grants specific powers. A durable POA remains in effect even if the person with Alzheimer's becomes incapacitated, while a springing POA only becomes effective when a specific event occurs.

3. Draft the POA: Once you have chosen the agent and determined the type of POA, you will need to draft the document. You can consult with an attorney to ensure that the document is legally valid and that it meets the requirements of your state.

4. Execute the POA: The person with Alzheimer's must sign the POA while they are still capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the document. If they are already incapacitated, the POA may not be legally valid.

5. Register the POA: Some states require that POAs be registered with a government agency to be effective. Check with your state to determine if registration is necessary.

6. Provide copies of the POA: Make sure that the agent and other relevant parties, such as financial institutions, have copies of the POA. This will ensure that the agent can act on behalf of the person with Alzheimer's when necessary.

It is essential to act early when planning for the management of a person's affairs with Alzheimer's, as the person's cognitive abilities may decline rapidly. By activating a POA, you can ensure that the person's financial and legal affairs are managed by a trusted individual who has the authority to act on their behalf.