When an Elderly Individual Can No Longer Function Independently: 5 Guardianship Facts to Keep in Mind

By :- Kate, On October 1, 2018 in ::-Tips

It’s never easy to see your loved ones get older, especially when they begin to lose their ability to function independently. It’s important to understand that there will eventually come a time when you notice they are unable to perform their normal daily acts of living. When this happens, it may not be long before they are unable to take care of themselves completely and you need to use a company such as Senior Care Finder to search for independent living facilities.

Before this happens, or if it already has happened, you need to discuss the sad but necessary facts of guardianship. Most people do not give up their independence without a fight, so knowing the facts regarding having guardianship over another adult can help make this a smooth transition for everyone involved.

5 Guardianship Facts to Keep in Mind When You Need to Care for an Adult

  1. While the elderly person still has mental functions, they can choose their substitute decision maker. This is known as giving someone a “durable power of attorney.” This decision maker, also known as an attorney-in-fact, has the authority to make major decisions for the other person. This includes financial and property concerns, personal care, health care, housing, and safety decisions.

If this is done properly, the power of attorney is recognized in every state as legal. However, the durable power of attorney needs to specify the exact powers of decision that the guardian is appointed if full authority is not given.

  1. If a durable power of attorney is not in place, a guardian may be appointed by the state. Often, the elderly individual loses the ability to perform the daily acts of living and function safely. When this happens, the court may step in and appoint a guardian. This person may be in charge of the person or the estate, or both. In some states, this guardian is called the “conservator.”
  1. Proof of loss of mental capacity must be evident for a court to appoint a guardian. Simply stating that someone can’t take care of themselves is not sufficient for a court to step in and give you the authority over another person. Instead, a petition for guardianship must be completed and filed.

From there, guardianship proceedings will ensure during which you must have proof of the loss of mental capacity that you are concerned about. This proof must satisfy the definition that the Uniform Probate Code sets forth as an “incapacitated person.”

  1. Guardianship is only appointed with compelling evidence. Not all evidence of a person’s dementia or inability to care for themselves is considered compelling. The courts take declaring someone legally incompetent seriously.

There must be clear evidence that demonstrates that only by appointing a guardian can the individual’s safety be taken care of and their needs be met. If other arrangements are possible, a guardian may not be appointed.

  1. Other types of care besides a durable power of attorney may be possible. Instead of giving full control of the individual to a guardian, the courts may determine that joint ownerships, advanced healthcare directives, or something else such as a living trust that you can find out more about here, may work instead.

You Are Not Alone: There is Help

Taking over the rights of someone you care about is not something most people are happy to do. It’s a hard path and a difficult decision. It’s also a path full of complicated legalities and paperwork.

If you are looking into guardianship, find an attorney who specializes in this field, like Suzanne R. Fanning PLLC, to help you ensure that the choices you make are legal and will be recognized in every state. Your attorney will handle the paperwork while you handle the necessary daily concerns of taking care of your loved one.