I take care of my 92 yo mother. She has good insurance but Medicare really takes care of almost everything. As far as giving away money goes, I have fairly clear feelings about parents and their money. If it seems appropriate for you to ask for Power of Attorney, then do so. If they don't want you to have POA, then you are off the hook as far as the money goes. This is a decision they make and, imo, you needn't agonize over the decision they make.