So, my 91yo dad (depression, Parkinson's) was diagnosed with 'moderate cognitive impairment' in mid April. He's currently in a geriatric psych ward (for the next 1-2 weeks), but, fortunately, I had already gotten health care proxy and POA signed, and my name is on his checking account. We've got most of his finances under control, but I have a couple of questions...
1. Can/should I cancel his credit card? I don't believe he has it in his possession any more. I'm assuming we will need to pay the balance if we do? And how exactly do I cancel it?
2. The good news is that he has longterm care insurance, and I'm told they will be sending him a check pro-rated for the premiums he paid while in the 90 day deduction period. With POA, would I be able to cash that check and deposit it into his account?
3. We established a revocable trust for the house; our elder lawyer has suggested getting bank accounts in the name of the trust. There's only $10K left in checking, so I'm not sure it's worth the trouble--and Dad's got a home equity home loan, and I'm not sure how to handle that.
Any suggestions appreciated...
Welcome to the steep learning curve.