As our loved ones age, it can get harder for them to take care of themselves. Although you might step in to help them out as much as you can, there are some issues that are outside of your abilities. For example, you won’t be able to handle your loved one’s financial matters, and you’ll also be unable to get them the medical care they need when they’re unable to secure it for themselves.
Obtaining guardianship of your loved one can give you the power to fully care for them, but how do you know when it’s time to take that major step?
Signs that it’s time to seek guardianship over an aging loved one
Obtaining guardianship over a loved one strips them of their independence to ensure that they’re safe, healthy, and well taken care of. But given the gravity of the situation, it can be hard to tell when it’s time to act. Here are some signs that it might be a good time for you to consider seeking guardianship of your loved one:
- Your loved one’s mental capacity has declined to the point that they’re unable to manage themselves and their affairs in an independent and beneficial fashion.
- Your loved one suffers from a disability that’s so significant that they’re unable to physically care for themselves.
- Your loved one makes medical or long-term care decisions that are clearly contrary to their best interests.
- Your loved one can’t comprehend important financial and medical decisions confronting them.
- Your loved one’s decision-making is jeopardized for some reason.
Don’t wait too long to protect your loved one
It can be stressful to think about becoming guardian of your loved one. That can cause some hesitation when it comes to taking legal action. But don’t wait too long to secure the protection that your loved one needs. After all, their frail state leaves them vulnerable. So, be sure to seek out any information necessary to determine if guardianship is appropriate under the circumstances that you’re facing.