As our parents age, their health can significantly decline. If that’s happened to one of your parents, then you might be worried about how they’re going to take care of themselves and manage their affairs. If it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to do so on their own, then it might be time to consider seeking guardianship. If successful, then you can be appointed by the court to handle your parent’s finances and their medical care.
How can you tell if it’s time to seek guardianship of a parent?
Filing a guardianship petition can seem like a drastic step, but it’s oftentimes necessary to protect an aging and ailing parent. Here are some signs that seeking guardianship may be appropriate in your circumstances:
- Your parent is consistently forgetting to pay their bills, which may result in poor outcomes such as their utilities being shut off, their vehicle being repossessed, or their home entering foreclosure.
- Your parent makes mistakes that jeopardize their own safety.
- Your parent drives despite clear indications that it’s unsafe for them to do so.
- Your parent is subjected to financial exploitation.
- Your parent doesn’t follow their doctor’s recommendations.
- Your parent often forgets to take their prescribed medication.
- Your parent refuses long-term care despite a clear need for it.
Remember, guardianship is about protecting your parent, not unnecessarily controlling their life. So, if you think that securing a guardianship is appropriate, then be sure to gain an understanding of the process and what it truly entails.
Do you have lingering questions about the guardianship process?
If you do, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources out there to help you inform yourself and gain a better understanding of the benefits of guardianship and well as the obligations of an individual who serves as a guardian. So, be sure to take the time needed to educate yourself so that you can make the decision that’s best for your parent.
