The way this would work seemed simple enough in the beginning. I would take the bills back with me to Florida from New York, after a visit. I would then log on to our checking account, as my Mom put me on the account with her, and pay bills. The problem was the bills were still going to New York.
Once I was back in Florida. I was having my brother copy the bills, and then email them to me. My brother was only going out to my Mom's house about three to four times a month. Thus some bills were getting to me either just before, or right after they came due. I decided to call the various companies and explain the situation, and why I needed access to my Mom's accounts and their cooperation. I learned that the companies like Macy's, were easier to work with then the banks/credit card companies, and utilities. When my mom was still at home, we managed to work well enough with the various companies, because they all insisted that she be on the phone and give her permission for me to gather whatever information I required. Most of the time I made a conference calls with a company she owed money to, me, and my mom. Most of the time my mom couldn't understand what was being said, as she wore a hearing aid. I would usually repeat what was said, and relay the message when we were all on the phone together. It was actually quite comic at the time.
Once my Mom went into the assisted living, rehab center, the whole bill paying process got bogged down. Every time I called in, the credit card companies would ask if I were on the account. I would say no and try to explain that my mom was not available due to health reasons. The next line was the standard, sorry, unless you are on the account or specifically given permission to discuss the account, we cannot talk to you! My response was, hey I am trying to do the right thing here and pay down your bill. Can you work with me? Again I was told, over and over again, sorry we cannot discuss this account with you! The whole process became very frustrating!