One of the most difficult aspects of life is watching your beloved parents lose their ability to be independent. When an elderly person loses the ability to comprehend and make rational decisions due to an injury or the onset of dementia, you may want to consider seeking guardianship.
Guardianship gives absolute decision-making authority, allowing the nominated guardian to make medical, financial and life decisions on behalf of the elderly person.
Here are two questions that can help you decide whether it is time to appoint a guardian for your aging parent.
Is your parent making irrational decisions about medical care or finances?
Often guardianship is sought because a senior is no longer making sound, informed decisions regarding their own medical care or finances. For example, maybe your mom is sending all of her money to scam artists or your dad is refusing to pay the bills. Or, maybe your parent simply can no longer comprehend the medical decisions that need to be made – and they lack a medical power of attorney or advance directive that would guide their doctors.
Do they need to be moved into nursing care?
One of the heated arguments most aging parents have with their adult children has to do with moving into a nursing home. Understandably, giving up one’s home for an assisted facility is never easy. Some see this as the “beginning of the end.” However, as an adult child, seeing your parents lose their ability to care for themselves can be just as difficult. If your parent is no longer safe on their own but won’t move into a nursing home, you may need guardianship to force the issue.
When your elderly parent loses their cognitive ability, appointing a legal guardian might be the most sensible decision to make. Find out how you can nominate a legal guardian for your aging parent.
