Power of attorney - should we be applying now?

[vivariumvivariumsvivaria]

My parents are in their 70s and still swanning about like a couple of defiant teenagers. Both have health conditions which make them vulnerable to corona, my mother is in the "FFS, stay in the fucking house" category.

I'm concerned that if they both get sick then I don't have POA.

My mother thinks I'm neurotic - but, actually, worst scene scenario is that they both get it and are both left debilitated and I have to try and make decisions remotely (we are on day 10 of 12 weeks isolation, our son is vulnerable so I locked us in early) - and make decisions without a POA.

Has anyone arranged the paperwork because of corona - or, is my mother right and I am neurotic?

Similar thoughts here about my in-laws and wills for us.

I think I'll have a chat with my folks about it tomorrow. They'll laugh at me and tell me that I'm overthinking - but, it'll plant a seed.

I don't feel bad about it, it's a practical task that we should all have in place long before it's needed!

Realistically, some law firms could go bust, or lawyers could be sick, and, getting a GP to go through the POA with them is likely to be a challenge - by phone, I guess?

You can do the paperwork yourself without a solicitor but you will need someone to witness the signatures.

But if they don’t want to give you POA then they don’t have to.

I imagine you won't have time, you'll need a solicitor. Perhaps do online? Make sure you get it for health and welfare.
Sadly the worst case is this could kill our parents. I hope your parents decide to follow the advice and reduce the risks to themselves...

Actually, I don't think the worst thing is them dying, whilst that would obviously be devastating (and also, all the "I bloody told you to isolate yourselves" to process!) - having to deal with complex care issues remotely, with medical staff who are totally overwhelmed and not available to chat on the phone...that would be grim.

Start the process. My mother signed POA documents after a fall, when it was clear that she was going to need decisions made for her.

It took a couple of months for the paperwork to come through. However medical staff seemed prepared to accept her having signed the forms as evidence of her intent. This was extremely useful.

Also perhaps set up a joint bank account or get your parents to sign a third party access form on their own bank account. This only takes a week to do and means you can pay bills etc if they had a lengthy stay in hospital. But obviously does not allow you to touch their other assets.