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Which form will I need to assist my elderly father.

Asked in Valrico, FL - 4 months

My father is being discharged from the hospital to a rehab facility. He has has dementia for over 20 years. His health and mental capacity are diminishing. He lives in Florida with my husband and I. I have cancer and my husband is disabled. We have been doing our best but with my fathers' health issues, it has become more difficult. My mother is deceased and I have a brother in Michigan that is in agreement with what will be best for our father. Which will be better for us to get for him. Guardianship or Power of Attorney. We want to make certain his business in taken care of from now and until he passes away. Please assist me in the best way to proceed. Thank you,

Attorney Answers (4)

Roberto Mauricio Vazquez

Roberto Mauricio Vazquez

Orlando Landlord / Tenant Lawyer

Licensed in FL

Answered 4 months ago. Based upon the information you provided, including the fact that your father suffers from dementia, you may want to speak with an attorney about applying for limited guardianship. Guardianship is only warranted when no less restrictive alternatives, such as a durable power of attorney, a trust, a health care surrogate or proxy, or another form of pre-need directive, are found by the court to be appropriate and available. However, given your father's condition, guardianship seems like it may be the most appropriate option.
This communication is not intended to, and does not, create an attorney/client relationship. You are encouraged to... more
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Adam Troy Rauman

Adam Troy Rauman

St. Petersburg Estate Planning Attorney

Licensed in FL

Answered 4 months ago. Sorry for all you are going through.

Everyone in FL should have a Will, Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate, and Living Will. If you and your husband don't have these document drafted for yourselves, you should get them immediately.
Given your father's condition, guardianship may be the way to go. That being said, even people suffering with dementia have lucid moments. If you father hasn't been legally declared incompetent and he is lucid when he signs a document, you may be able to get a POA.
I suggest making an appointment with an attorney so you can discuss more specifics regarding your father's mental condition. The sooner you call the better.
Answer does not constitute legal advice. Please call (727) 471-0039 or contact me at arauman@protectyourfuture.... more
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Seril L. Grossfeld

Seril L. Grossfeld

Fort Lauderdale Guardianship Law Attorney

Licensed in FL

Answered 4 months ago. If your father is compentent to sign documents a durable power of attorney or even a trust would be easier to work with than the cumbersome procedures of dealing with a guardianship supervised by the Court. You should consult with a competent attorney in estate planning and elder law matters in your area to discuss alternatives and decide what is best for your situation. You may also want to discuss the possibility of using a professional guardian considering you and your husband's medical issues.
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Katherine B Schnauss Naugle

Katherine B Schnauss Naugle

Jacksonville Guardianship Law Attorney

Licensed in FL

Answered 4 months ago. If your father is able to sign a Durable Power of Attorney then he should do that. However it sounds like he is not from your question. I would suggest you contact an elder law attorney to discuss your options immediately. The best thing is most likely a guardianship for your father.
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