The first years of life and the last have remarkable similarities. There may come a time where you need to provide the same level of care for your parents as they did for you as a child.
Caring for the physical needs of your parent might be too much. It can be a full-time task to ensure they are fed, bathed, given appropriate medical care and so on. So, you might consider putting them in a residential care home, where paid staff attend to their needs.
Yet, you may need to look after some issues yourself. Old age and dementia could leave your parent almost childlike in their ability to think and make decisions. The difference is that a young child does not have a portfolio of assets to care for.
What does a conservator do?
Seeking conservatorship allows you to step in and take charge of your parent’s affairs. It may be essential for several reasons:
- People could swindle them out of assets: Some people prey on older adults and attempt to persuade them to give them money or change their will to benefit them.
- There will be bills to pay: Long-term care costs a lot of money, as does medical attention. Gaining access to your parent’s accounts means you can pay the bills on their behalf.
- Doctors may need a decision: Medical staff sometimes need to make difficult choices. When the patient is lucid, they can ask them. When that is not the case, they need someone else to speak on behalf of the patient.
If you wish to seek conservatorship of your parent, you will need to apply to a court with evidence to show it is necessary. You might even need to overcome your parent’s objections. Finding out more can help you decide if it is the best course of action.