Maybe the recent holidays were a wake-up call. You noticed that your dad’s eyesight was fading when he was behind the wheel or maybe you questioned your mother’s recent financial decisions. But you saw that they had lost a lot of ground recently and it’s apparent some changes need to be made.
Perhaps you were even the one who reached out and suggested a change in their living situation. But your every effort was angrily shot down. What happens next? What can you do to keep your parents safer?
Are your parents no longer competent?
If reasoning with them gets you nowhere and the promise of home modifications with in-home care is rejected, you may need to seek a guardianship over them through the Virginia civil court system.
In order to get a guardianship over another person, e.g., a parent or other elderly relative, you must prove to the Virginia civil courts that they are indeed incapacitated. Keep in mind that simply opposing a proposed move isn’t proof of incapacity. People have the right to self-determination up until that right is stripped from them.
Don’t let guilt overwhelm you
Keeping your loved one safe from predators and accidents should be paramount. That can include making some tough decisions. There will be consequences to your actions that can affect your relationship with the incapacitated person.
A person who is no longer thinking coherently can’t make good decisions for themselves any longer. Stepping into that position protects them when they are most vulnerable. Learn more now about how guardianships can protect your incapacitated loved one.