Why do I need a Power of Attorney?

The starting point is to have your loved one authorise you or someone they trust to act on their behalf through both a power of attorney for financial affairs and enduring guardianship.
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that allows the “principal” to nominate one or more persons, referred to as “attorneys”, to act on their behalf. An enduring power of attorney gives the attorney the authority to manage legal and financial affairs, including buying and selling real estate, shares and other assets and day to day transactions such as operating bank accounts.
An enduring guardianship appoints a person to make decisions of a medical nature and decide where a person lives. Both enduring powers of attorney and enduring guardianships remain in force even when a person loses their mental capacity.
Consider finding a care manager or social worker to do a needs assessment and help coordinate appropriate services, such as  assistance with shopping, transportation, medication and daily living such as eating and dressing.
Try to get a contact list of neighbours and friends to develop a support system for your loved one. Consider using technology such as FaceTime, Zoom, as a contact method.
Once a Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship is in place, the process of looking after someone can become a lot smoother.