My dad's been battling with an infection in his body since the beginning of April. He has gone down hill dramatically. He's lost over 15 lbs and uses a cane now but needed assistance from family members for 1 month or so. He then graduated to a walker and now a cane. My dad was always active and independent. He was an avid hunter, fishermen, and always on the go on the 4-wheeler looking for game and such. He can't do any of that now.
For general POA for finances, I'm not as familiar with those. Where I live, you can get a form from the bank and have it notarized....again, no attorney needed.
Have a list of questions that require legal assistance and get their pricing for handling all the things that your parents require to get their affairs in order.
This doesn't have to be expensive and a ethical attorney will help you save money by directing you to the things you can do yourself.
If your dad is only concerned about someone being able to legally speak on his behalf if he is unable, or to handle bills and such you can check with your states attorney general website and see if they have Durable POAs, HC POAs and Mental Health POA forms. These are completely legal in your state, they will list the revised statutes on them somewhere. They are completely free, AZ has fillable PDF'S, we filled them out and a notary at the hospital signed them for free, your bank will do it for free as well.
I think it is great that your dad is looking at getting this taken care of. Knowing what his desired purpose is will help you help him better.
We had a list of questions and each meeting to interview the attorney (we interviewed 6) we used the information from each meeting to update questions. PLEASE BEWARE! There are legal firms that offer estate planning packages for a fixed dollar amount, steer clear, they are complete fear mongers and they charge way more than a CELA attorney would.
Best of luck and may your dad get well enough to have some quality of life doing the outdoors things he loves.
http://seniorlawcenter.org/seniorlaw-services/advice-information-and-referral-services/
I found the link through the aging.pa.gov website so it does come recommended by a reputable source. They say:
Pennsylvania's SeniorLAW Helpline 1-877-PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529) - The Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline is a toll-free, state-wide, legal information, advice and referral service for Pennsylvanian's age 60 years and older.
You should be able to handle power of attorney paperwork for your father but you do want professional input to make sure you're getting it right.
I really don't feel you need a specialized lawyer. Call Office of Aging and ask about Legal Aid.
They can help set up POA for Health as well as Finance. Will, Trust and start the proper background if an application needs to be made for Medicaid later.
If your Dad is a Veteran you also might want to get him established with the VA for medical and depending on when and where he served you may find he is qualified for other services. Contact a Veterans Assistance Commission Office in your area. The help is free there is no need to pay for this service.
Can you get your dad to a lawyer? Does dad have funds to pay for this?