Some people claim that the parent-child relationship slowly inverts over a lifetime. Parents have to provide around-the-clock care, regular guidance and sufficient financial support to minor children. As their children grow and become independent, they may develop a more friendly, reciprocal relationship.
Eventually, as the parent’s health declines with age, they may become reliant on their children for support. Adult children with aging parents can provide hands-on support by tackling home maintenance projects or grocery shopping for older parents. They may take them to medical appointments and help them manage their affairs. Eventually, older parents may become incapable of taking care of themselves. At that point, their children may need to consider seeking a guardianship.
How can adult children determine when guardianship may be necessary?
When a parent has diminished capacity
Family members may watch the slow decline of an aging loved one and may eventually recognize that they have begun experiencing cognitive issues. They may walk from one room to the next and forget what they needed. They may have difficulty remembering to pay their bills every month on time.
In some cases, they may even avoid going to the doctor despite needing care because they don’t want a diagnosis affirming their cognitive decline. Once an older adult’s medical state reaches a point where they cannot draft powers of attorney naming someone to handle their affairs on their behalf, it may be time for their adult children to intervene by seeking guardianship.
When a doctor diagnoses a serious condition
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating medical condition that begins with minor symptoms and progresses into dementia and severe cognitive decline. Other older adults might receive a medical diagnosis of a different type of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia.
When health care professionals determine that an aging parent has a progressive or debilitating condition, it may be time for concerned family members to step up and start providing support. Older adults often resent attempts to curtail their independence and personal authority. However, they may also benefit from the protection and stability that they derive from a guardianship.
Gathering evidence of an older parent’s declining capacity can help concerned adult children take legal action. Adult guardianship empowers concerned adult children to protect their parents when they are vulnerable and to repay the care and support they received when they were children.
