First, new power of attorneys would have been helpful. The delay in getting an effective one in place was problematic. I was fortunate to have someone willing to notarize both my parents' new power of attorney forms. I was also fortunate that my dad had enough savings on hand to cover several months of expenses, and that I gained access to that savings (with Dad's help). Even if you have a power of attorney every five years you should review its terms. If there are changes in mental competence of one or both of your parents, review these documents.
Next, I would consider having your parents add you to their accounts. Mine had put me on their safe deposit box, so accessing it was not a problem. But much of the bank related issues would have been much easier to deal with if I had been the cosigner all along. This has an added advantage of you catching problems with their banking before they become irreparable.
Fortunately the health care powers of attorney and advanced medical directives were never a problem for me. I have heard horror stories about families split and arguing over such things. Having something in place in advance would be helpful. Further one person should be placed in charged and a frank talk about decisions should happen.
While you are being added to accounts at the bank, I would suggest also being added to utilities and set up a system with all these accounts that you'll be notified if bills are not paid or bank accounts are overdrawn. In addition you should be able to close accounts and change billing addresses. For companies with secret passwords try to learn those.
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