Getting older is an inevitability that can be difficult to face at times. Your elderly parents have most likely managed their own affairs for decades. Not only that, they have probably spent a significant amount of time caring for you and steering you in the right direction.
However, there will likely come a time when the roles are reversed. Knowing the precise moment that your parents can no longer take care of themselves is no easy feat. At times, the deterioration can be drastic but it is often a gradual process. There are a number of common signs that it might be time to petition for guardianship.
Making medical decisions
Aging relatives might be placed in a position where they need urgent medical care or treatment. Consent is a key factor in the field of medicine and an elderly person may not fully be able to give it. Perhaps your loved one has dementia, which could mean they do not have the capacity to fully grasp the seriousness of the situation. In such times, the only feasible option may be for you to obtain guardianship.
Business and financial aspects
Running a business is a huge responsibility that requires sharp decision-making skills. If your elderly parent has started to make business decisions that are clearly irrational and lack consent, the court may consider granting guardianship. It is important to note that this does not need to be full-guardianship. There are circumstances where the decision-making abilities of an elderly person are not fully compromised, but they just require a little assistance.
Filing for guardianship is a major decision that requires a significant investment of both time and money. Therefore, it may be in your best interests to gain a firmer understanding of the law in this area.
