Our parents’ physical and mental capacities may deteriorate with age, and they can require help with daily tasks. Families may occasionally come to the realization that their loved ones need more assistance than can be given informally. A legal arrangement known as guardianship occurs when a court designates a person to make choices for an older person.
But how do you know when guardianship is necessary? Here are the top 4 common signs that might indicate you need guardianship for elderly parents. Read on.
1. Severe Cognitive Decline or Memory Loss
One of the most significant signs that guardianship may be required is severe cognitive decline, such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- dementia
- other forms of memory loss
If your elderly parent is consistently forgetting important details about their health, finances, or daily responsibilities, this can lead to unsafe situations. For example, they might forget to take vital medications, miss doctor’s appointments, or even put themselves in physical danger.
If their cognitive impairment is preventing them from making sound decisions, guardianship could provide the necessary legal authority to ensure their well-being. Make sure to do some research when taking care of seniors, such as to uncover the importance of Elder Law in assisted living communities.
2. Inability to Manage Financial Affairs
Another common sign that guardianship may be needed is an elderly parent’s inability to manage their finances responsibly. This can manifest in various ways, such as:
- forgetting to pay bills
- giving away large sums of money
- falling victim to scams and fraud
If you notice that your parent is struggling with financial management or making poor decisions that could lead to financial ruin, it may be time to consider guardianship. A legal guardian would be able to manage their finances, pay bills on time, and make financial decisions in their best interest, preventing them from making harmful choices.
3. Inability to Safely Manage Health and Personal Care
As parents age, they may experience difficulties in managing their health and personal care needs. If you notice your parent is no longer able to care for themselves, such as:
- forgetting to take medications
- neglecting personal hygiene
- failing to schedule necessary medical appointments
It may be a sign that they need someone to oversee their care. Guardianship can help by ensuring that an appointed individual makes medical decisions on their behalf, arranges for proper care, and ensures they are receiving the appropriate services. Guardianship provides legal authority to make health-related decisions if the elderly person is unable to communicate their preferences clearly.
4. Behavioral Changes or Unexplained Distress
Sometimes, elderly parents may exhibit unusual or concerning behavior that could indicate they need more support. This may include:
- confusion
- agitation
- sudden mood changes
- withdrawing from social interactions
In some cases, the changes could be the result of an underlying medical condition, such as depression, anxiety, or a neurological disorder. If the person’s behavior is putting them or others at risk, or if they seem unable to cope with their daily life, guardianship may be necessary. A guardian can help ensure that your parent receives the emotional and mental support they need, in addition to overseeing their physical and financial well-being.
Get Guardianship for Elderly Now
The decision to seek guardianship for elderly parent is never easy. However, recognizing the signs that your parent may no longer be able to manage their own affairs is crucial to ensuring their safety and well-being. If your loved one is experiencing big problems, guardianship might be the best solution.
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