Complete Guide to Power of Attorney for Aging Parents
Everything you need to know about POA types, when to get one, the process for obtaining it, and how to use it responsibly.
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Financial & Legal Guide for Caring for Aging Parents
Managing your parents' finances and legal affairs can feel overwhelming. From power of attorney to Medicare enrollment, we'll help you understand what you need to know and when.
Financial and legal planning for aging parents involves some of the most important—and often most uncomfortable—conversations you'll have as a family. Yet proper planning now can prevent crises later, protect your parents' assets, ensure their wishes are honored, and give everyone peace of mind. These guides walk you through each step, explaining complex topics in plain language.
We cover the essential legal documents every family needs: power of attorney, healthcare proxies, wills, and trusts. You'll learn how Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental insurance work together, and how to maximize benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket costs. For families facing long-term care decisions, we explain asset protection strategies, veterans benefits, and how to navigate the complex world of care financing.
Whether your parents are healthy and planning ahead, or you're facing an immediate need to take over their financial affairs, these resources will help you understand your options and take confident action. We always recommend consulting with qualified attorneys and financial advisors for your specific situation—these guides help you know what questions to ask.
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Legal Documents & Planning
Essential legal tools for protecting your parents and making decisions on their behalf.
Checklist
Essential Documents Checklist
Complete printable checklist of legal, medical, financial, and insurance documents you need.
Get checklist →Power of Attorney
Legal authority to make financial decisions for your parent when they can't.
Learn more →Guardianship
When POA isn't enough: court-appointed authority for incapacitated parents.
Learn more →HIPAA Authorization
Get access to your parent's medical records and speak with their doctors.
Learn more →Representative Payee
Manage Social Security benefits for a parent who can't handle their own finances.
Learn more →Managing Parents' Finances
Day-to-day financial management and organization.
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Get Paid to Care for Parents
Medicaid, VA programs, and other ways family caregivers can receive compensation.
Learn more →Bill Pay & Banking
Set up systems for paying bills, managing accounts, and preventing missed payments.
Learn more →Financial Organization
Create a complete inventory of accounts, assets, debts, and important documents.
Learn more →Tax Planning
Tax considerations for caregivers and strategies to reduce your parents' tax burden.
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Social Security Strategies
When to claim, spousal benefits, and maximizing lifetime benefits.
Learn more →Medicare & Insurance
Understanding healthcare coverage options for seniors.
Medicare Enrollment
When to enroll, how to avoid penalties, and special enrollment periods.
Learn more →Medicare vs Medicaid
Understand the differences, eligibility, and how they can work together.
Learn more →Estate Planning
Preparing for the future and protecting your parents' legacy.
Beneficiary Designations
Keeping retirement accounts, insurance, and bank accounts properly designated.
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Asset Protection Strategies
Protecting assets from Medicaid spend-down and long-term care costs.
Learn more →
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Special Needs Planning
Planning for aging parents of adult children with disabilities.
Learn more →Need Help Getting Started?
Our Power of Attorney guide walks you through the most important first step in managing your parents' affairs.
Read the POA Guide