Signs Your Loved One Needs Guardianship

When you start to realize that a loved one needs guardianship, it can be a somber time for the family. If your loved one needs a guardian, it means they can no longer care for themselves, whether because of old age or another condition.

In some cases, your loved one may willingly consent to guardianship or Power of Attorney, but if they don’t, it may be time to turn to the courts for help. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs your loved one needs guardianship, consider contacting your local estate planning attorney for help and information about the process.

1. Your Loved One’s Safety Is at Risk

If your loved one has experienced dangerous health issues and refuses to seek additional health, it may be time to look into guardianship. These health issues can take various forms, but the common ones include:

Mental decline

• Missing appointments

• Falling for scam calls and messages

• Leaving the oven on

• Getting lost in familiar places

Physical decline

• Falling

• Difficulty climbing the stairs

• Trouble going to the bathroom alone

• Having a hard time caring for themselves

If your loved one can no longer handle their everyday responsibilities without help, assisted care options can help them live out their golden years safely.

2. Your Loved One Won’t (Or Can’t) Consent to Medical Treatment

If your loved one cannot (or will not) make medical decisions on their own, they may benefit from the help of a guardian. It’s common for older loved ones to refuse medical treatment as a matter of pride or because they don’t realize the severity of the problem.After a fall, stroke, or other health emergency, your senior family member may not be able to consent to certain types of life-saving medical treatment. Unless the proper documents are already in place, they may need a guardian to agree to these treatments.

3. Your Loved One Needs Assisted Care, but Refuses

It’s not uncommon for our older loved ones to refuse to enter a care facility. Some seniors find it embarrassing that they need extra care, or they may not realize how much they could use the help.If your loved one can no longer live alone but refuses your efforts to provide help, it may be time to consider guardianship. While this should be a last resort, it will allow you to find them the support they need to live safely and comfortably.

4. Your Loved One Needs Financial Help

As a full-service Denver estate planning and probate law firm, Evans Case is home to 5-star attorneys who have deep knowledge of the law and the most effective strategies for helping our clients achieve their objectives. Let us tell you more about how we can help you with Colorado probate during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.