When Kids Leave for College, Don’t Forget About Your Parents

This time of year, parents are moving kids into dorms, helping them settle into new routines, and double-checking that their college students have what they need to succeed. For many families, that also included signing powers of attorney so their young adult is protected in case of an emergency.

But there is another group we cannot forget during back-to-school season: our parents. Many of us are part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for both children stepping into adulthood and aging parents who may need more support. Just as powers of attorney are essential for young adults, they are just as important for seniors.

Why Parents Need a Power of Attorney

A Senior Adult Power of Attorney package makes it easier for families to respond quickly and compassionately when health or financial emergencies happen. Here is why it matters:

• Medical Decisions Without Delay – A health care POA ensures your parents’ wishes are followed and that someone they trust can speak for them if they cannot.
• Financial Protection – A financial POA allows bills to be paid, accounts to be managed, and important transactions to continue without interruption.
• Less Stress for the Family – Having POAs in place avoids drawn-out court processes that often come at the worst possible time.
• Peace of Mind for Everyone – Parents know they have chosen who will help them, and children know they will be able to step in when needed.

A Family Example

Here is a scenario many families face: Sarah had just returned from dropping her son off at college when her phone rang. Her mom, Mary, had been rushed to the hospital after a fall.

Because Mary had signed both a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney, Sarah could immediately step in. At the hospital, she showed the health care POA and was able to speak directly with doctors about treatment options. Later that evening, she used the financial POA to log in to Mary’s bank account and pay her upcoming mortgage and utility bills, making sure nothing slipped through the cracks while Mary was recovering.

Now imagine if Mary had not prepared these documents. The hospital might not have shared details with Sarah, leaving her in the dark. The bank could have refused access to her mom’s account, and unpaid bills might have piled up. In some cases, families even have to go to court to gain authority, which can be a stressful and expensive process.

Because Mary had her powers of attorney in place, Sarah was able to focus on her mom’s recovery instead of worrying about red tape.

Unfortunately, this is not rare. According to AARP, only about one-third of adults have put a power of attorney in place, leaving families unprepared when a crisis strikes.

Why Now Is the Right Time

When kids head off to college, many parents find themselves reflecting on family needs in a bigger way. You have prepared your child to handle the world, but you can also prepare your family for the unexpected by making sure your own parents are legally protected.

It is one of those things that is easy to put off until it is too late. A simple set of documents today can prevent stress, delays, and heartache tomorrow.

Learn More

At Mama Bear Legal Forms, we make it easy to create both health care and financial powers of attorney for seniors. Learn more about our Senior Adult Power of Attorney package today and give your parents the same peace of mind you have already given your student.