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Pumpkin69 Asked June 2014

What's involved with being a Guardian for my Mom who has dementia?

My mom is 84 and lives by her self, and she goes to Adult Day Services 5 days a week. She won't go to an assisted living, even though it would be safer for her. I am the Power of Attorney for my mom. Her doctor and social worker thought that it would be a good idea to be her Guardian. My mom's neurologist considers her to be a vulnerable adult. She also unable to make decisions.

I wanted to know what the responsibilities are for being a guardian? I wanted to know what I would be getting myself into? I am already co-owner of my mom's house. Does anyone have information about guardianship?

pamstegma Jun 2014
Pumpkin69, it's an honor and a responsibility to be a Guardian. Like Dusty said, it's also pretty expensive. We just met with the lawyer at he needs $3500 just to get started with the paperwork.
One of the first things that happens is that Mom is served legal papers telling her she will be examined for competency. This can create a real firestorm, mom could get very mad. It would go a lot easier if you could get her to move to Assisted Living of her own free will. Take her on tours, ask her when she thinks the time would be right, ask her to decide which place she likes. Some places offer a one month trial at half-price. Sort of like going on a cruise. My MIL moved into one for a month and decided to stay. Worth a try.

GardenArtist Jun 2014
Pumpkin, do you have a Durable or medical power of attorney, or both? Does your mother have a Will or Trust?

I would get legal advice on guardianship before relying on a doctor's and/or social worker's advice. No reflection on them, but they see the issue from medical and social perspectives, not from financial and/or legal ones, which are equally important.

One aspect which might be burdensome is the need to file accountings with the court which appoints you as guardian. I've always preferred to keep government entities out of my affairs if possible.

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