Aging is an inevitable part of life that we all have to deal with at some point in time. It can be difficult seeing your older family members lose a grip on their independence, but there are ways that you can help them later on in life.
Implementing effective measures to help your loved ones deal with financial affairs and other complex tasks can actually offer them security and peace of mind. If an elderly person becomes incapacitated, it may be beneficial for a guardian to take care of their financial and personal affairs. So, what does a court-appointed guardianship entail?
Determining incapacitation
Getting older in itself does not necessarily mean a person is incapacitated. Many elderly people are able to function at extremely high levels. Being incapacitated generally means a person may no longer be able to make decisions that are in their best interests. Disabilities, loss of cognitive function and other health conditions could mean that an older person needs some help managing the bigger decisions in life.
Who can become a guardian?
The court has wide discretion when it comes to appointing a guardian, but the role is commonly reserved for adult children, siblings and other family members. What matters most is that the unique needs of the person who requires assistance are met in an appropriate manner. Any person who has been assigned to this role must act in the best interests of the ward at all times.
How can this benefit your loved one?
Having a guardian will lift the burden of making difficult decisions from a loved one who can no longer do so. Importantly, these decisions are constantly monitored by the courts to ensure there is no foul play.
Your elderly relatives deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. By understanding the protections offered to them under New Jersey law, you can ensure that this remains to be the case.
