Most parents assume the answer is simple. Of course your adult children should serve as your Power of Attorney. Who else would you trust?

But when a medical emergency or cognitive decline suddenly forces someone to step in, families often discover that love and preparedness are not always the same thing.

At first, everyone may agree they want what is best for Mom or Dad. Then reality sets in.

Life has a way of surprising us. One moment, our parents are independent and making their own decisions. The next moment, a stroke, accident, or diagnosis can change everything. Suddenly, bills need to be paid, doctors need instructions, and decisions about care cannot wait. But what happens if your parents cannot make decisions anymore and there is no plan in place?