You showed up here because someone you love needs help — sometimes it means finding a lawyer, a support group, or just confirmation that other people have survived this exact situation.
We've organized it by what you're probably looking for right now. If you're not sure where to start, read the first section — it'll point you in the right direction.
Go to Legal Documents & DIY POA below. Do this now. The window closes faster than anyone expects.
Go to Find an Elder Law Attorney first. You likely need guardianship or conservatorship, and that requires a professional.
That's exactly what our guides are for. Browse our Guide Library or ask the community.
Go to Caregiver Support below. You're not alone, and the people in those communities really do understand.
When POA is already gone, contested, or you're facing guardianship or conservatorship — you need a professional. These resources help you find one.
The gold standard directory for finding a vetted elder law attorney by state. If you're dealing with guardianship, conservatorship, or a contested POA, start here: naela.org.
Most state bars offer referral programs with low-cost initial consultations (often $50 or less for the first meeting). Search "[your state] bar lawyer referral service" to find yours.
Elder law help shouldn't be out of reach because of money. Search "[your county] legal aid elder law" — many areas have free or sliding-scale services specifically for seniors and their families.
For caregivers supporting someone who has lost — or is losing — the capacity to manage their own affairs.
The largest and most comprehensive resource for dementia caregivers. Their 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) connects you with specialists, and their website covers legal planning, caregiver stress, local chapters, and support groups. You can find them here: alz.org.
Strong on caregiver education and social work support. Their helpline is staffed by licensed social workers. You can find them here: https://alzfdn.org/
Real caregivers, real answers, available at 2am when you really need them. One of the most active and genuinely supportive communities on the internet. reddit.com/r/dementia
You didn't apply for this job. These communities and resources can make it less lonely.
One of the best free caregiver resources available, full stop. Covers legal, financial, emotional, and practical aspects of caregiving. You don't need to be an AARP member to use most of it. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/
Particularly strong on legal and financial planning topics. Their fact sheets are well-researched and genuinely useful. https://www.caregiver.org/
Focused on advocacy and peer support for family caregivers across all conditions. https://www.caregiveraction.org/
The community that understands the 11pm panic Google search. Thousands of caregivers sharing what actually worked — and what didn't. https://www.reddit.com/r/AgingParents/
Federal agencies have their own rules — and most of them don't recognize your state POA. Here's where to go for each one.
Important: your state POA has no authority at SSA. You need a separate Representative Payee appointment to manage someone's Social Security benefits. We have a guide for that. You can visit the SSA here: https://www.ssa.gov/
For benefits questions, coverage lookups, and plan comparisons. Medicare also requires its own authorization forms — separate from your POA. https://www.medicare.gov/
For family caregivers of Veterans. Caregiver Support Coordinators at every VA medical center can help you navigate VA's separate POA, fiduciary, and benefits systems. We have a VA guide too. You can visit the service here: https://caregiver.va.gov/
Find federal benefit programs your loved one may qualify for. Underused and genuinely helpful. https://www.usa.gov/benefit-finder
If your loved one still has mental capacity — please use it. The window closes faster than anyone expects.
An advance directive document accepted in most states that covers both healthcare POA and end-of-life preferences. Written in plain language. Worth every minute it takes to complete. https://www.fivewishes.org/
Many state bar associations offer free, state-approved POA forms. Search "[your state] statutory power of attorney form" — these are legally valid and don't require a lawyer to complete, though having one review it never hurts.
Plain-language legal guides for non-lawyers. Their elder law and POA articles are clear, accurate, and free. https://www.nolo.com/
For situations involving financial exploitation, institutional stonewalling, or unresolved disputes.
If a bank or financial institution is refusing to honor a valid POA without justification, file a complaint here. Institutions must respond within 15 days. We reference this in several of our guides — it works. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
If you're concerned about financial exploitation, neglect, or abuse of a vulnerable adult, contact your state's APS. Search "[your state] adult protective services" to find your local office.
If your loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility and their rights aren't being respected, the ombudsman program is your advocate. Search "[your state] long-term care ombudsman."
If you couldn't find what you need here, try our community — or send us a note at support@poahelp.com. We read every message.
Know a resource we should add? Tell us. This page gets better when caregivers help us improve it.
— The POAhelp Team