Who can sign assisted living paperwork if a parent has dementia?
A dementia diagnosis alone does not remove your parent's right to sign. If they cannot understand the agreement, someone with the appropriate legal authority may need to act for them. That authority depends on the documents and the decision involved; a power of attorney does not automatically cover every decision. Ask the community and a qualified Arizona attorney to review the paperwork.
The documents that matter in Arizona:
- A durable financial power of attorney may authorize the named agent to manage payments and financial agreements, depending on its terms.
- A health care power of attorney addresses health care decisions. Ask whether it covers the decisions needed for admission and the service plan.
- An Arizona mental health care power of attorney addresses certain mental health decisions. Ask an attorney whether it is relevant; do not assume it is required for every memory care admission.
Communities will ask for copies of these documents at move-in — bring them to tours.
If there is no usable POA: an Arizona attorney can explain whether guardianship for personal decisions or conservatorship for finances is needed. Court proceedings involve time, costs, and responsibilities. Tell the attorney if a discharge or other urgent deadline is approaching.
If your parent can still participate: include them in the conversation about who they want to help and what authority they want to give. An elder-law attorney can explain the documents and capacity requirements without rushing the decision.
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