Comfort Keepers Elder Care and the Law in Charlotte, North Carolina
This information will come in handy when deciding on elder care in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area
When dealing with legal issues, it is essential to prepare well. And remember to include your elderly loved one in the discussion while deciding on the finest care for them. It's never too soon to ask them what they want and begin planning ahead. Families looking into elder care in Charlotte should also take care to settle their loved one's legal affairs and gather important paperwork. If you are a senior in Mecklenburg County and need some guidance, don't hesitate to give us a call. Please call us at (704) 980-7620.
What kinds of paperwork do you need?
Wills are common knowledge, but your elderly loved one may benefit from a different type of will if their situation calls for them. An advance directive for medical treatment is one such choice. In the event that they become incapacitated or critically ill, elders can outline their preferences for care services and medical intervention with this document. The directive can also specify which care facility should be used for the transfer.
Two broad categories of advance directives
A living will - If your loved one becomes unable of making medical decisions for themselves, a living will can be used to specify what kind of care they would like to receive in their final days.
A power of attorney for health care - A health care power of attorney appoints another person to make medical choices on the senior's behalf if he or she is unable to do so.
References to helpful websites
Check out these websites before deciding on Charlotte elder care:
- The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Commission on Law and Aging
- The ABA’s Guide to Wills and Estates
- Find a Lawyer tool on the North Carolina Bar's website
- Find a Lawyer tool on the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ website
- The Law Issues for Consumers section of the ABA's website
Talk about guardianship
It is common for a family member to take on the role of decision-maker and primary caregiver for an elderly relative. Working together as a family, you should make this decision while your elderly loved one is still able to express their preferences.
It's not required that a guardian or conservator be a blood relative. In the case that your loved one loses the ability to make their own decisions, a guardian will be responsible for making medical, personal, and financial choices on their behalf. A conservator can be appointed by a court to handle all of an individual's financial matters on their behalf, including managing assets, drafting wills, paying bills, and paying for medical treatment.
In Charlotte, guardians and conservators have the same legal authority to make healthcare choices for their wards, including placement in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or the hiring of in-home caregivers.
Organize paperwork related to senior care
Having a central location for all of your loved one's legal documents is the first step in staying current with their legal affairs. Find a secure location in the house to keep copies of important papers such wills, health records, real estate contracts, and insurance policies.
Call us in Charlotte, NC
Contact us today to find out how we can help you or a loved one in the Charlotte, North Carolina area prepare for elder care. Our staff has dealt with similar situations before, and we're eager to lend a hand: (704) 980-7620.
