When a loved one experiences forgetfulness, we often become concerned about their safety and well-being. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, common symptoms of dementia include memory loss, difficulty planning or solving problems or reasoning, new problems with writing or speaking, frequently misplacing things, changes in mood and even hoarding.
People who have a hoarding disorder save excessive amounts of items that others may view as worthless. A person with dementia may save stacks of newspapers or large quantities of expired food. Sometimes the home is infested with vermin. A person suffering from dementia may be socially withdrawn and self-neglected. When an elderly person has dementia, living alone can be unsafe for them.
A guardianship may be needed when they can no longer make informed, rational decisions or care for themselves and they have not previously named a proper agent and/or health care surrogate to make decisions for them. A guardianship is used to appoint a family member or professional guardian to ensure the elderly person is receiving adequate care and to help make appropriate medical or financial decisions.
The Institute for Dementia Research & Prevention has stated that within the United States there are at least 5 million people currently living with age-related dementia symptoms. You may know of a family member, neighbor or friend experiencing problems from dementia. The law office of Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. has over 25 years of experience in elder law and assisting clients with the guardianship process. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the office today at (407)909-1900.