He's now in hospice care. I've already paid for a simple cremation whenever that becomes necessary, which leaves about $700 in his checking account. His daughter in CA is struggling, but asked if I can use her dad's money to pay for a flight and a hotel for whatever money would be left. I'm a trusted friend and not a family member.
Considerations: is principal on Medicaid? The State has the right to reclaim monies spent on the principal's care. Terrible that daughter is struggling, but as DPOA you are obligated to spend money on principal's care, not his daughter's. If all the bills are settled and there is money left over to spend on her travel by the estate, that *should be* fine if she is the only beneficiary to will. If daughter is the executor of the estate and is traveling to where you are to settle the estate, that is one option AFTER principal passes. It really depends on who is principal's beneficiary is (if more than 1, how nasty will others be?), what the debts that principal currently has, and who you will be required to account for as DPOA. The legal obligations of DPOA have to be met with compassion unfortunately taking a second position to protect you and the principal.