Even if the senior is in a coma has experienced significant cognitive decline from dementia or is otherwise deemed incapacitated a durable power of attorney.
Power of attorney for elderly parent form.
Draft the power of attorney.
Before discussing how to get power of attorney for elderly parents let s review what a power of attorney is and how it is different from guardianship.
Some legal measures like power of attorney and guardianship can make this task a little easier.
In most cases a durable power of attorney is the best option for an elderly parent.
As much as we may not want to face it there will come a time when our parents may no longer be capable of making decisions about financial and legal matters or about health care.
For more information about preparing documents to direct health care see nolo s article living wills and powers of attorney for health care.
What is power of attorney.
A durable power of attorney remains in effect after your parent becomes incapacitated and can no longer make decisions on their own.
The power of attorney document allows a person with dementia called the principal to name another individual called an attorney in fact or agent usually a spouse domestic partner trusted family member or friend to make financial and other decisions when the person with dementia is no longer able.
You can look on the website for the national academy of elder law attorneys for attorneys who provide elder specific legal services.
Initiating a discussion about a power of attorney with your elderly loved one can sometimes be uncomfortable but it is always advisable to think about putting things in order while they are independent.
To make it simple some states combine a durable power of attorney for health care and living will into a single form commonly called an advance health care directive.
One may be used to assign a health care surrogate to oversee an individual s end of life care while another may be used to provide a tax accountant.
How to get power of attorney for elderly parents.
We will discuss in this article.
At that point you ll need to be prepared to step into a decision making role.
Aging parents or parents with significant health issues should have a durable power of attorney recommends somita basu an estate planning lawyer in santa clara california.
Each form serves a unique purpose.
How to arrange power of attorney for an elderly parent.
Florida power of attorney forms.