Greater accountability for people in Power of Attorney positions

Recently I have had the unfortunate experience of seeing a loved one's life be torn to shreds by a family member who accepted the power of attorney position in this man's life. He was experiencing the loss of his mother to cancer when the family member stepped in. He was under the impression that he was signing a health care power of attorney, not a durable binding power of attorney. He chose to live with the POA. Immediately his bank account began dwindling. He was restricted from coming to his hometown. His belongings were taken over as if they were not his to have any control over. Checks began bouncing. All of this activity is considered acceptable by a court of law because he placed this person as his power of attorney. He ended up in ICU almost dying due to neglect.

There has to be a change! Individuals who require a power of attorney are already compromised to begin with-whether it be by mobility limitations, mental and physical disabilities, or living situations. They are an "at risk" population.

I want to see a greater level of accountability in regards to the power of attorney position. I want to see laws implemented that make it a felony to exploit anyone that is dependent upon the assistance of a power of attorney in order to see their legal and financial affairs handled . I want to see equal response from both city and county law enforcement concerning the reporting of said exploitation. I want the Department of Social Services to be supported in their endeavor to protect the elderly at risk population against abuses by powers of attorney instead of being stonewalled because "not everything that is wrong is criminal."

There has to be a greater accountability!