I worked (it didn't seem like work because I enjoyed it so much) at a Nursing Home for seven years in the Activity Dept. Normally the Home will have an account at the front office where you deposit cash (usually small amounts only to cover items like snacks, possibly trips out, personal needs, etc.-less than $30. & then can be added to accordingly).They will not take care of a perons personal needs. Unfortantely, you really don't want to put that on someone that you personally don't know & even then have to watch it like a hawk. TOOOO many have found there accounts wiped out & bills not paid. Yes, to my knowledge they would need power of attorney. I know how hard it is with your mother wanting to move so far away, but it sounds like its in her best interest to stay close to you even if this isn't her wish. My suggestion is to check all Nursing Homes in the area (some are better than others), but better yet, check out a Personal Care Home for her instead. It is much more personal (usually 3-9) residents so more of a family setting. Still check to make sure they ARE doing Activities that your mother would enjoy. I'm thinking of setting up a Personal Care Home myself, but it can be a very good alternative & your mom would probably feel alot more confortable. Good Luck!!!

We did set up an account at the nursing home but Mother is talking about getting her checkbook when & if she goes to another nursing home and paying for her stay, pay her bills, paying for all sundry expenses, balancing her checkbook, etc. I know that is out of the question. You are right in that Mother needs to stay right where she is, close to us. The nursing home is the best in town, lots of things to do, activities, road trips, etc. Only problem is the very day we brought Mother to the nursing home, while we were checking her in, Mother decides she is going to bail out the back door. When stopped outside and asked where she was going she replied the police station to charge you with kidnapping. Well they put her in the locked down alz. wing where the above activities are not offered. She has been there for 3 months and all she talks about is gettng away. She even managed to sneak a letter out to a State Rep. saying she was kidnapped...that started a whole another story I won't go into. We doubt if her attitide will change so in the lock down wing she will stay for we know she will run the first chance she gets. Thanks for the reply.