Hi,
I went through a similar situation with my aged parent last year. Re POWER of ATTORNEY.
Get at least 8 full copies made so you have spares & put them in a file.Set up a filing system too so you can find letters & statements easily. If you send emails print them out as a hard copy.
Sit down & make a list of everyone who should have a copy of the POW. eg Inland Revenue,DWP,Utility Companies,bank,Landlord etc.Send out a standard letter to each of them asking them to note their records of the POW & to send all statements to you.
Do not be surprised if there an 8 week delay..esp. with the Tax people.
Hopefully then you will know what is going on & what other liabilities may be lurking.
If your Mum goes into a care home you are going to have to provide alot of financial records such as bank statement,P60's etc so get the information channels working in advance.
Take advantage of online access to accounts.
I coped with the stress & never ending requests for information & "firefighting" by dealing with 3 items a day. Once I had done my three that was it for the day & I could concentrate then on work more easily.
As I had fallen behind with work I also applied the three a day rule to that too.Its weird but does work as you no longer feel so trapped & feeling like there is no end in sight. You have a plan!!
Pick your battles. You do not want to add to the stress you are already under.
Re water bills. Doubtless you have seen this advice about a variation of a CCJ.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/d...#h-when-can-you-ask-to-change-the-court-order
Be prepared as others have said for things getting lost in the glorious world of the Powers that Be. "We have no record of that" is a well used phrase. I have been reduced to sending stuff by registered letter so it can be tracked.
Be aware that typing errors occur often which can result in letters going to the wrong address. The people who input data do not always read what they have typed or check that they have entered it correctly.
As far as getting care for your Mum...try as a resort, her MP. Many organisations prioritise MP's complaints & any actions taken have to be signed off by a manager. I worked in government and an MP's letter had much the same effect as kicking over an ant hill.
As others have said,use TP.You are not alone here & there is a wealth of experience.