My journey has been painful and frustrating. After pleading with the social work department on multiple occasions to shed light on my mother's wellbeing, I was met with silence. The reason? The power of attorney (POA) held by my sibling overrules any advice or guidance the social workers might provide. This authority has granted them the power to execute decisions that, in my view, contradict the true wishes of my mother.

In a heartbeat, my mother was swept away from her familiar surroundings and placed in a care home – one that is not even in her hometown. This abrupt change has left her isolated from the community she cherished and the people she knew. It's a no man's land for her, void of familiar faces, comforting routines, and the warmth of her own home.

To make matters worse, the POA has been secretive and has deliberately isolated our mother, denying her the right to connect with her family. Visits are forbidden, and I'm left in the dark, anxious and distressed about her wellbeing. Knowing that the POA can override social workers’ decisions only compounds the helplessness I feel. It seems as if the isolation is suffocating my mother and killing her spirit slowly.

The issue at hand is clear – a change in legislation or policy must occur to ensure that the true wishes of elders are honored and that the power granted through POA is not misused or manipulated to the detriment of their wellbeing. Social workers should be empowered to intervene when there are allegations of isolation or neglect, ensuring that no elder is left feeling abandoned and alone.

I urge the authorities to re-evaluate the regulations surrounding POA, enforce stringent checks on their actions, and provide a platform where family grievances can be heard and addressed promptly. Our loved ones deserve to live their twilight years with peace, love, and among those who genuinely care for their happiness and health.

Sign this petition to advocate for a change that ensures a fairer, more transparent approach in power of attorney cases, offering protection and peace to our family members in care.