If there is no durable power of attorney for finances and the parent is incompetent and therefore unable to execute a POA, then the caregiver must petition for guardianship to sell the home. Petitioning for guardianship involves certifying that an individual (known as the ward) is incapacitated and would benefit from the appointment of a legal guardian to manage their personal and property interests.
Depending on the terms of the guardianship, this often includes the legal authorization to sell the ward’s real property. Guardianship can be a long, expensive, and emotional process, though, and is only a viable option in cases where an elder lacks the mental capacity to make informed decisions for themselves.