My parents are getting quite elderly and I have powers of attorney for them so that I can pay their bills and help make their medical decisions if necessary. Is there anything else I should be getting them to do before they end up ill or come down with dementia?

I’m glad to hear that you have powers of attorney in place, although those documents are not going to allow you to assist them in making medical decisions. The Powers of Attorney will allow you to look after their legal and financial matters – anything (other than a Will) that needs a signature. If they want you to be able to assist them in making personal or health care decisions, they would need to appoint you as a Representative under a Representation Agreement. See www.nidus.ca for detailed information regarding personal planning documents in BC or contact our office for more information.