I was just informed by email that my sister who lives in the same state as my mother recently moved my mother out of her home and into a senior citizen living community. My sister contacted me to help with my Mother's financial needs. I work a full time job and live on a limited budget, what are my options to help my mother financially? My sister now has power of attorney and has taken on the persona of a collection agency.
If she had contacted you and asked how much you could afford to contribute to your mother's living expenses and you had said $X per month, then you should feel responsible for contributing $X per month. But if you weren't contacted, or if you were contacted and did not agree to contributing something, then in my opinion you have no financial responsibility.
What are your options to help your mother financially?
1) Pay what your sister is asking for, and live on an even more limited budget (and not be able to save for your own old age).
2) Pay a smaller amount than what your sister is asking for. Be slightly less pinched yourself than in option 1.
30 Pay nothing. Explain to your sister that you cannot afford this contribution, and you are sorry she didn't give you a chance to explain that before she make a financial commitment for Mother.
Did Mother own her home? What happened to the money from the sale?
This sounds like a sad situation and may result in hurt feelings and strained relations. But the fact is, you are not responsible for any financial obligations you did not agree to. Often family members do contribute toward a parent's financial needs, but only when they agree to it in advance. It is irresponsible of a POA to sign the parent up for a financial commitment without making sure there is money available to pay for it. I'd say that Sister goofed, and she'll have to correct it as best she can. It is not your problem.