As our loved ones age, they may need assistance with many different tasks. They may need someone to drive them to medical appointments or to support them as they travel over uneven ground. Unfortunately, many elderly people also face other challenges that limit their ability to make important decisions, manage their finances or even meet their basic needs.
Guardianship could offer your loved one the support they need if they become incapacitated. Why might you establish guardianship for your loved one?
Is it difficult for your loved one to manage their own affairs?
A variety of conditions—including long-term disabilities, serious injuries, mental health conditions and other concerns—can make it difficult for a person to meet their own needs. For example, an aging person who develops a degenerate condition like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may not have the ability to manage their own finances or even meet their daily needs for food or hygiene. In other cases, a stroke may leave a previously sharp and capable person with new challenges that keep them from managing their affairs as they once did.
How can an incapacitated person get the support they need?
If a person is incapacitated due to one of these conditions, adult guardianship may be an important source of support. Depending on the court order, a guardianship allows the guardian to take care of a variety of different tasks, including:
- Making financial decisions, including making payments on debts
- Making decisions about medical care and ensuring that the ward receives adequate medical services
- Ensuring that the ward has the support they need for their daily needs, including making decisions about their housing or education
- Taking legal action on behalf of the ward
Seeking experienced guidance can help you determine whether guardianship can help you protect your loved one and provide insight into the process of establishing guardianship.
