As they age, many seniors lose cognitive abilities or develop medical conditions that can leave them unable to care for themselves or their finances. In this difficult situation, guardianship can provide you with the legal authority to act on your loved one’s behalf, managing their finances and making important medical decisions for them. Understanding when to ask the court for guardianship can help ensure your aging family members get the help they need.

When Guardianship May Be Necessary

They Can’t Manage Their Own Finances

Mentally incapacitated seniors often lose track of due dates or may even forget how to access their accounts. Without a durable power of attorney, you may not have the legal authority to sign checks on their behalf, check their account balances, or arrange payments for their debts. Guardianship gives you the right to manage your family member’s finances when they’re no longer able to do so.

The Senior Can’t or Won’t Follow Medical Instructions

Along with mental issues, many seniors also develop serious medical conditions that require continuing care. Unfortunately, mentally incapacitated individuals may not understand a doctor’s instructions and often refuse necessary medical treatment. Becoming a guardian gives you the ability to discuss treatment options with your family member’s doctor or move them into a nursing home, if necessary.

They’re Vulnerable to Exploitation

Scam artists and unscrupulous family members often target seniors, many of whom are unable to evaluate the risks. If your family member is vulnerable to exploitation or has a history of falling for scams, a guardianship may provide the tools to protect them and their finances.

Becoming a guardian for an incapacitated family member can be emotionally draining and confusing, which is why the attorneys at Katzman, Logan, Halper and Bennett are committed to providing the compassionate, effective legal counsel you need. They’re dedicated to giving Cincinnati, OH, clients a high level of service and help them achieve the best results possible. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help establish a guardianship, or call (513) 793-4400 to consult with an attorney today.