

Guardianship of an elderly parent is a legal relationship created by the court. A guardianship covers just about every duty in an elderly person’s life whereas a conservatorship deals with only financial issues. In these cases, the main difference between a guardianship and a conservatorship is in the duties. Some states, though, may use the terms separately. In many states, a guardianship and conservatorship are the same thing and are used interchangeably.
A person of adult years and in sound mind has the right how to#
Read more about how to get a power of attorney over an aging parent. Power Of Attorney Health Care ProxyĪlso sometimes called a Living Will – a Durable Medical Power Of Attorney is a type of advance directive that gives legal authority to a designated person who will make healthcare decisions for an elderly patient if they can’t make their own medical decisions. We recommend that, when family caregivers begin taking over the care of older adults, they get legal advice from an elder law attorney right away to begin the process of gathering the legal paperwork that may eventually be needed as your parent(s) grow older (also, some states offer legal assistance for those with low income). Thus, legal documents are an essential part of any family caregiver’s toolkit as they help to protect both parties throughout the caregiving journey. Having legal documentation in place enables the caregiver to act quickly and confidently in situations where their loved one may be at risk or in need. These legal documents include health directives, power of attorney, and conservatorship or guardianship.Įach of these documents has specific roles and responsibilities that help to ensure that the needs of both the family caregiver and the care recipient are met. When someone becomes a family caregiver, it is important to have the legal documents in place to support this role.

Can A Senior Citizen Be Forced Into A Nursing Home?.The mental capacity and mental health of the senior person(s), as well as a list of their health problems, will most certainly come into question and if it is deemed by health care professionals that they cannot make financial or medical decisions safely for themselves, then being granted the conservatorship and/or guardianship will be much easier for you.

You may have to obtain both petitions to manage all of the senior’s affairs. If not, you will need to petition the court for conservatorship and/or guardianship.

If your parent(s) or elderly relative(s) have executed a power of attorney health care proxy – you may have some rights to move them to a safer more appropriate living environment. Some caregivers find themselves in the position of having to make the difficult decision of choosing between home care or having to move an elderly family member into some type of residential care situation for the health and safety of their senior loved one.īut what if that senior loved one refuses to move? Can someone be forced into a care home situation? Caregiving of an older adult can be difficult.
