As your parent age and lose their ability to care for themselves, you should consider weighing the available options. If anything, you want to be sure that your folks can live as comfortably as possible during their sunset years.
For most adult children, the decision to appoint a guardian for their aging parent can be a difficult one to make. Guardianship comes with specific legal responsibilities, and it ensures that the nominated guardian can act on behalf of the “ward” where necessary. So when is the right time to appoint a guardian for your aging relative?
Here are three pointers that can help answer this question.
Your parent has been declared legally incapacitated
When appointing a guardian for your aging parent, one of the first pointers you will focus on is their capacity. If your parent has the legal capacity, then they may actively participate in the appointment of a guardian. However, if they lack the legal capacity, then you may make this decision on their behalf.
Your parent agrees that they need a guardian
Sometimes, your parent may consent to the appointment of a guardian and agree that they need one. In this case, you can commence the process of designating a guardian on their behalf. However, you will still require a court order to formalize the guardianship.
There is a consensus on who should be your parent’s guardian
If the other family members seem to share a consensus on your parent’s welfare, then it may make sense to explore the idea of appointing a guardian.
Appointing a guardian for your elderly is a decision that you should not take lightly. Find out how you can appoint the right guardian for your loved one.