Having power of attorney for a family member is a significant responsibility. It gives you legal authority to act on their behalf - but using that authority over the phone isn't always straightforward. This guide covers what you need to know.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information, not legal advice. Consult an attorney for questions about your specific POA document and situation.

Part of our caregiver series. See also: Managing Your Parent's Healthcare Calls and Long-Distance Caregiving. For AI assistance, visit AI Phone Assistant for Caregivers.

Understanding Types of Power of Attorney

Healthcare Power of Attorney (HCPOA)

Authorizes you to make medical decisions when your loved one cannot make them themselves. This typically activates when a physician certifies the person lacks capacity to make their own decisions.

Financial Power of Attorney

Authorizes you to handle financial matters - banking, bills, insurance, investments. Can be "durable" (effective immediately and continuing through incapacity) or "springing" (activated by a specific event).

General vs. Limited POA

General POA grants broad authority. Limited POA restricts authority to specific tasks or accounts.

What to Say When Calling with POA

When you call using power of attorney authority:

  1. "I'm calling on behalf of [name], date of birth [DOB]."
  2. "I hold power of attorney for [healthcare/financial] matters."
  3. "I can provide a copy of the POA document if needed."
  4. State your purpose: "I need to [schedule an appointment / discuss billing / etc.]."

Be Prepared For

  • Requests to fax/email POA - Have a scanned copy ready
  • Verification questions - They may ask for your information and relationship
  • Callback procedures - Some institutions call back to verify
  • Refusal to proceed - Some matters require in-person POA presentation

When POA Authority Is and Isn't Accepted by Phone

Usually Accepted

  • Scheduling appointments
  • Requesting account information
  • Paying bills
  • General inquiries
  • Insurance questions

May Require POA Documentation on File

  • Making changes to accounts
  • Accessing detailed medical records
  • Financial transactions above certain amounts
  • Closing or opening accounts

Usually Requires In-Person Presentation

  • Real estate transactions
  • Major investment decisions
  • Legal proceedings
  • Certain banking activities

Delegate routine caregiver calls

KallyAI can handle scheduling and inquiries while you focus on the calls that require your authority.

Try KallyAI Free

Getting Your POA on File

Proactively filing your POA with important institutions saves time and friction later:

Healthcare Providers

Bring your POA to your loved one's next appointment. Ask that it be scanned into their medical record. Request confirmation that you're now listed as having healthcare POA authority.

Insurance Companies

Call or mail a copy of the POA to be placed on file. Ask for written confirmation. Some insurers have specific forms they prefer.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Most require in-person presentation of the original POA. The bank's legal department may review it. Some banks have their own POA forms they prefer - ask about this upfront.

Common Challenges and Solutions

"We need to speak with the account holder"

Response: "[Name] is unable to manage their own affairs, which is why I hold power of attorney. I can provide documentation. What is your process for handling POA situations?"

"Our system doesn't have a field for POA"

Response: "I understand. Can you add a note to the account? Or who can I speak with to get this properly documented?"

"This POA isn't in our required format"

Response: "This is a legally valid power of attorney. Can I speak with your legal or compliance department to resolve this?"

Documentation Tips

  • Keep multiple copies of your POA - original and notarized copies
  • Have a scanned PDF version for easy emailing
  • Keep a log of every institution where you've filed it
  • Note the date it was accepted and any reference numbers
  • Record the names of people who confirmed acceptance

Using AI Assistants with POA Situations

For routine calls that don't require formal POA authority - scheduling, basic inquiries, prescription checks - AI phone assistants like KallyAI can help. This reserves your time for the more complex calls that require your legal authority and judgment.

KallyAI can:

  • Schedule and reschedule appointments
  • Check prescription status
  • Make general inquiries
  • Gather information before you make a follow-up call

Save your authority for when it matters

Try KallyAI for routine caregiver calls.

Try KallyAI Free