| Read Time: 2 minutes | Guardianship

Legal terms can be confusing. To help those debating over the best care options for their loved ones, below three common elder law terms are defined and explained.

Guardianship

Guardianship is a term used to define anyone who has custody of, or the sole responsibility of caring for, an aging parent or other elderly relative or friend. Guardianship of this nature is usually requested and/or obtained by a close relative or trusted friend of an elderly person when it is deemed that the person needs someone to take care of them due to such issues as a disability, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or a terminal illness that renders the person too ill or weak to take care of himself. Guardianship of a disabled or terminally ill relative or aging parent may also be granted by a judge if there is a dispute regarding who has the legal “right,” as well as the best means possible, to provide the necessary care.

Health Care Decisions

While many people think of this subject in relation to the elderly, health care decisions must also be made for children and disabled or terminally ill relatives as well as aging parents. Such health care decisions often include what is known as a living will, also referred to as an advance directive. This important document simply specifies the person’s wishes regarding medical care in the event of a terminal illness or other medical condition or emergency which would leave the person in a coma or vegetative state and unable to make decisions. This also ties in closely with power of attorney, which is addressed next.

Power of Attorney

Granting a power of attorney is an important, personal decision that involves choosing someone to make all legal and medical decisions in the event that the person doing the choosing becomes unable to make decisions for or care for himself. A power of attorney is a legal power which requires the acceptance and agreement of the chosen party to care for and carry out the other person’s wishes, within reason, as well as required legal documentation which has been prepared by the person’s attorney.

Need More Advice?

To fully understand the ramifications of different care and decision-making arrangements for your loved one, it is best to seek the advice of an elder law–focused lawyer. Estate planning attorney Andrew Lamkin has long experience working exclusively on elder law and related legal questions. Contact us today for a free consultation at 516-605-0625.

Author Photo

Andrew Lamkin is principal in the law firm of Andrew M. Lamkin, P.C., where he focuses his practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning and special needs planning, including Wills and Trusts, Medicaid planning, estate administration and residential real estate transactions. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

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