Many aging adults choose to sign a few legal documents in the event they have to rely on family caregivers. As a caregiver, you wouldn’t want to end up in court for overlooking certain legal matters related to your senior loved one. To prevent such uncomfortable situations from arising, encourage your loved one to consider signing the following documents.
1. Durable Power of Attorney
Your loved one can sign a durable power of attorney allowing you to take control of his or her assets and make medical decisions when he or she is no longer competent. It also allows you to make the decisions you believe your loved one would make if he or she were still competent.
Hiring an elder law attorney who has expertise in senior home care may also be beneficial. When researching agencies that provide senior home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care.
2. Conservatorship
In some cases, a family caregiver may need to go to court to be appointed as a conservator for a senior who is no longer competent. Consider this procedure if you’re a caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another serious medical condition. If you ignore this process, the court can make any decisions about your loved one’s finances and medical care. As a legally appointed caregiver, you should be aware of what paperwork you need to file with the court.
3. Living Will
Your loved one can file a living will. This tells the medical team what to do if your parent needs life support. While the decision is personal, it makes everyone aware of your loved one’s wishes. Once it’s signed, keep a copy with you and put one copy in your loved one’s medical file.
If your loved one needs transportation to meet with an elder law attorney, an in-home caregiver is the perfect solution. The type of home care Northern Kentucky, seniors need may vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans may be adjusted at any time.
4. Will
The days after a senior loved one’s passing can be very trying for everyone involved. Your parent can make those days easier by filing a will. This document allows seniors to decide what happens to their assets after they’re gone. If your loved one chooses not to file a will, the court can decide, which can take years.
In addition to securing the right legal assistance for your loved one, it’s also important to find the ideal at-home caregiver who may help your parent maintain a high quality of life while aging in place. If your senior loved one needs hourly or around-the-clock home care, Northern Kentucky Assisting Hands Home Care may help. Our caregivers may assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To learn about our high-quality in-home care services, give Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky a call at (859)-444-5699 today.
