A guardian is a person who is legally responsible for another person, known as a ward.
A guardian has the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the ward regarding personal matters such as where the ward will live, what medical care the ward will receive, and what type of education the ward will receive.
A guardian can be appointed by a court or by the ward him- or herself. A court-appointed guardian is typically someone who is:
* 18 years of age or older;
* Not been convicted of a felony; and
* Not been adjudicated mentally incompetent.
A self-appointed guardian is someone who the ward has named in a legal document, such as a power of attorney, to make decisions on his or her behalf.
There are different types of guardianship for senior citizens. The type of guardianship that is right for a particular senior citizen depends on his or her individual needs and circumstances.
If you are seeking to be appointed as a guardian for a senior citizen, you should contact an experienced elder law attorney in your area.
The attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is properly filed with the court.
What Are Some Of The Responsibilities Of Being A Legal Guardian Of A Senior Citizen?
Some responsibilities of being a legal guardian of a senior citizen include ensuring that the elderly person has access to necessary medical care, managing their finances and property, providing them with food and shelter, and helping them with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Other duties may also include making decisions about the elderly person’s living situation, advocating on their behalf, and representing them in court.
What Is The Process For Becoming A Legal Guardian Of A Senior Citizen?
There are a few different ways to become a legal guardian of a senior citizen.
One way is to be appointed by a court. This usually happens when the senior citizen has been determined to be incapacitated and is unable to make decisions for themselves.
The court will appoint a guardian that they feel is best suited to take care of the senior citizen and make sure their needs are met.
Another way to become a legal guardian of a senior citizen is through a power of attorney designation.
This means that the senior citizen has specifically chosen you to be their guardian in the event that they become incapacitated.
This can be done ahead of time, so that there is no need for a court appointment.
Lastly, you may become a senior citizen’s guardian if you are related to them by blood or marriage. This is typically referred to as a “natural guardianship.”
In this case, you would not need to go through the court system to become the senior citizen’s guardian.
If you are interested in becoming a legal guardian for a senior citizen, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you will need to be over the age of 18.
You will also need to be of sound mind, body, and ability to care for another person.
Lastly, you must be willing and able to take on the responsibilities that come with being a legal guardian.
