My aunt has a bank account in the US and we have tried to gain access to get the money transferred to the UK in order to pay nursing fees urgently, but are having problems with the bank as my aunt has dementia and they are talking about power of attorneys being made in the US (each state has different rules apparently) or their equivalent of Court of Protection. As it is her money and for her use is there anything other than this that can be done?
Could the US embassy help you?
If a small amount, it might be even worth considering leaving it until after death, then her heirs pursuing collecting it via probate court at that time.