Watching the physical or mental health of a parent or other loved one deteriorate can be heart-wrenching. Beyond the emotional toll, it can be difficult to know whether your loved one needs help managing finances, healthcare, or other daily responsibilities. When a parent or other loved one can no longer manage their daily lives without assistance, an adult child or another concerned individual may consider adult guardianship. While the decision to pursue guardianship is never easy, some signs may indicate that adult guardianship is necessary.

What Is Adult Guardianship?

Adult guardianship is an important legal tool that can be used to assist adults who are unable or no longer able to make important life or financial decisions on their own. Establishing an adult guardianship allows a family member or another concerned individual to make decisions regarding medical, financial, residential, services, spending, and other important life issues for a parent or loved one. However, adult guardianship can be a sensitive matter, as it removes an individual’s autonomy and gives the guardian control over important life decisions. Lindsay Parvis is an experienced adult guardianship attorney who can help you gain clarity to determine whether adult guardianship is in your loved one’s best interests. If it is, she can guide you through the process and how to navigate guardianship responsibilities after appointment.

Signs a Loved One Might Benefit from Adult Guardianship

Most older adults enjoy their retirement and take pride in their independence. They may avoid calling family members or neighbors except in the most serious of circumstances. But when they place themselves at risk of physical or financial harm or make decisions that could injure themself or others, family members, professionals, and other concerned individuals may need to consider whether adult guardianship is appropriate. While this list is not exhaustive, it provides insight and guidance into whether adult guardianship might be necessary.

Loss of Memory

A certain degree of memory loss is normal as people age. However, if you notice a parent or loved one cannot remember common things, like a child’s name, the name of the city where they live, or the name of their doctor, it might be a sign of a deeper issue and could mean they need assistance.

Loss of Financial Independence

Financial trouble can be one of the first signs that a parent or loved one needs assistance. Stacks of unopened mail, collection notices, or having utilities shut off for non-payment are all signs that a parent or loved one has lost their financial independence.

Questionable Decisions

Excessive spending can also be a sign that a loved one lacks financial independence. A parent or loved one who was known for frugality and is suddenly buying things they do not need or giving money away could be losing their financial independence and may need assistance. Likewise, falling prey to financial scams and predators may show a need for financial management by a guardian.

Excessive or Unexplained Injuries

Because the body becomes more frail with age, it is normal for elderly individuals to sustain more injuries as they age. However, if a parent or loved one seems to have a new injury every time you see them and cannot provide an explanation for the excessive injuries or cannot remember how they happened, it could be a sign that they need assistance.

Change in Appearance

Deterioration in personal appearance is a common signs of an underlying condition that may indicate the need for adult guardianship. Likewise, a sudden and noticeable change in weight may be both a cause for concern and another indicator.

Diagnosis of a Major Medical Condition

Medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may mean your loved one needs support. Individuals who struggle with awareness or cognition are at increased risk of financial hardship and making questionable decisions that could jeopardize their safety and well-being.

How a Guardianship Attorney Can Help

Deciding whether to seek adult guardianship can be difficult for everyone involved. Adult guardianship attorney Lindsay Parvis has been helping Maryland families navigate major life changes for more than 20 years. She approaches each case with care and sensitivity and can help caregivers determine whether adult guardianship is necessary. When appropriate, she helps establish guardianship over a parent or other loved one.

Contact Maryland Adult Guardianship Attorney Lindsay Parvis Today

If a parent or other loved one is experiencing difficulty managing their own personal, financial, or medical affairs and could benefit from adult guardianship, Maryland adult guardianship attorney Lindsay Parvis can help. Contact Ms. Parvis today to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and help protect your loved one.