Hi all,
My father was admitted to a nursing home and I received his admissions agreement. It's really long so I asked the admissions lady if I can take it home and bring it back because I wanted to read it thoroughly. She said that was fine but marked the areas that needed signatures. I told her that I was my father's POA and that I would sign as the POA under the "resident" signature line (father's name, by my name, as agent). However, the lady said that the "responsible party/resident representative" signature line also needed to be signed. I told her I would look into it at home and fill it out accordingly. She insisted that the responsible party/resident rep needed to be signed. I don't understand why I would sign under the responsible party/resident rep, if I can just sign as POA on the 'resident' signature line. I thought I am signing on his behalf? Wouldn't a signature on the 'resident' line be good enough?
Also, the lady assured me that I won't be financially responsible to pay for services with my own funds, and it would only come out of my father's funds. She said to read page 1, where it indicates that "responsible party refers to an individual who has legal access ot the Resident's income and resources." Honestly, I do not feel comfortable signing as "responsible party/resident representative." Can they discharge or kick out my father because I refuse to sign as responsible party? I live in the state of NY.
The contract also states that, "The responsible party may be held liable to the extent that the facility relies to its detriment on false, misleading or incomplete information and documentation supplied by the Responsible party regarding matters, including, but not to limited to, the Resident's financial resources, and for third party insurance coverage."
I am not sure what to do, I cannot afford to pay for an elder attorney. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The nursing home wants me to complete the admissions paperwork ASAP.
Jane Doe, POA FOR John Smith
Rather, he stated to sign all legal docs as:
John Smith BY Jane Doe, POA
He said this would insure that the doc was clear that the parent was responsible for payment, and NH could not come after me for unpaid bills. I live in Texas, and have done all my POA signing for both parents in this way. Best of luck.
Having said that, I do have a twinge of sympathy for what I think the contract is getting at - that they have been burned before by (ir)responsible parties getting their charges admitted by telling shameless taratiddles about the person's insurance, assets and income.
Not your problem! You are signing for, with power of attorney. That is the limit of your responsibility, and good for you for minding those lines don't blur.
Sign everything this way or you will find some sleazy company trying to make you personally responsible.
I was not responsible for my mother financially, but needed to make sure her monthly payments to assisted care were made. They need to make sure the meds. they give are given correctly. I assume that you are the person they call if they have an issue or concern. In all these cases are you the responsible person they can call on?
I think you said you were told that you are not responsible financially and assume you understand they can’t care for your father unless you know payments can be made.
Knowing he is safe and cared for is a blessing. Ignore the horror stories some like to tell without having the whole story and all the facts.
Your father is blessed knowing you’re there for him.
God bless you with the guidance, strength and love you need.
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