Caregiver Elgin IL – Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – 847-628-8311
Disabled or elderly persons in Illinois can receive protection under a guardianship. A guardianship is the legal right to provide care and make decisions for another individual. There are two general categories in Illinois for guardianship:
-Person guardianship. The guardian makes decisions regarding matters like housing and healthcare for the elder person. (The elder or incapacitated persons is also known as the ward.)
-Estate guardianship. An estate guardian takes care of the ward’s property and finances. The guardian takes responsibility for paying the ward’s bills and managing their property and assets.
-Depending upon the specific circumstances, a ward might require both a person and an estate guardian. It is possible for the same person to fill both roles.
A guardianship lawyer can protects the rights of your elderly loved one and petition the court to declare you as the guardian. Although a guardian is the ward’s representative, he or she can assign daily caregiving responsibilities to another relative or professional.
Seniors may not always be open about the challenges they face if living alone. In many cases, it’s that they simply don’t want to cause you concern about their health issues. Or, it could be because he or she fears you may force them out of their home.
Be aware of the following signs your older loved one may need assistance from a professional Caregiver Elgin IL.
Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – Call for Consultation at 847-628-8311
-Unkempt appearance. One when stops making an effort and no longer maintains their appearance, it’s cause for concern. This is particularly true with respect to personal hygiene. Neglecting personal care (such as skipping showers) puts the elderly at risk of health problems. Because this can be a delicate subject raise, make sure to talk about when other people aren’t there. Once you are ready, simply ask your older adult if they are having difficulty with bathing. Or, perhaps there could be a fear of falling down in the bathtub. Having someone assist with washing is often all it takes to help your older adult feel better.
-Unsanitary living conditions. This is a common sign of an older adult who could benefit from the assistance of a Caregiver Elgin IL. While some can live contently with a small amount of clutter, significant changes in housekeeping can warn of a problem. For example, areas of mold growth, piles of garbage and dirty dishes are signs your loved one may need care. In addition to the unpleasantness of a poorly-maintained house, there are health risks to consider too.
Signs of Elderly Abuse – Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – 847-628-8311
- -Malnourishment, dehydration or rapid weight loss with signs of illness.
- -Signs of insufficient care like persistent bedsores going without treatment.
- -Dirty linens and clothing, poor hygiene.
- -An elderly person’s money being used for the personal expenses of a relative of a caregiver.
- -If the elderly person doesn’t have sufficient food, medications or personal care products even though adequate funds are accessible.
- -Loaning large amounts of money without arranging for repayment.
- -Sudden changes to a will or other documents.
- -Signs of depression, helplessness, or fear. Hesitates to talk or tells stories that seem implausible.
Get Answers to Your Questions About a Caregiver Elgin IL for Your Elderly Loved One – 847-628-8311
- -A caregiver prevents the adult from speaking, prevents interaction with other people unless the caregiver is present.
- -The caregiver or a relative blames the older adult for issues they cannot control like incontinence.
- -Conflicting reports of suspicious incidents from caregivers, relatives and the older adult.
- -Caregiver Elgin IL or relative displays aggressive behaviors toward the older adult. This may be in the form of verbal threats or rough physical contact.
If you believe your elderly loved one may be the victim of caregiver abuse, call an elder law attorney immediately.
Elder Law Attorney – Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo – 847-628-8311
An elder law attorney serves as an advocate for older adults and their families. At the Law Offices of Anthony R. Scifo, our elder law attorneys are here to handle a range of legal issues affecting older or disabled people:
- -Health care.
- -Long term care planning.
- -Guardianship.
- -Retirement and Social Security.
- -Caregiver Elgin IL.
- -Medicare and Medicaid.
- -Wills and estate planning.
An elder law attorney offers expertise on the unique needs of older people. These can frequently be much different than the needs of younger people. Older adults often need legal assistance with estate and financial planning as well as daily matters affecting their care. For example, long term health care planning and assisted living.
If you or an elder person in your family needs help with any of the following issues, contact our law firm today:
-Discuss the necessity of a valid will and up-to-date estate plans. Including plans for care of a minor or adult who has special needs, probate and other legal matters.
-Draft a durable power of attorney.
-Provide legal assistance for health care and long term care options, Medicare, patient rights and health care power of attorney.
-Financial matters such as financial planning and housing opportunities.
-Income, gift and estate tax matters.
-Establishing guardianship. Assistance with selecting and appointing a legal guardianship.
-Help identify facilities for long term care, manage costs of assisted living.
-Explain the rights of nursing home residents.
-Help file claims against nursing homes.
-Draft a valid living will or other forms of advance directives. This can include durable power of attorney and long range planning documents.
Divorce and Child Custody Issues
Spouses who are splitting up might each seek physical custody of their children. Ideally, the spouses will reach an agreement and prevent going to court. However, there are some cases when a family court judge steps in and determine which spouse shall receive primary custody. The courts typically grant preference to the spouse who is the “primary” caregiver. Most family courts show a preference for the parent who demonstrates they filled this role throughout the marriage. (Or, show they were the main caregiver generally if the parents did not marry.)
In deciding which parent took care of the children the most, family courts look at how parents divide responsibilities. For example, the court looks at child care tasks like:
-Bathing, dressing and grooming.
-Planning and preparing meals.
-Provide clothing and laundry obligations.
-Arrange for health care.
-Arrange participation in extracurricular and recreational activities.
-Assist with studies.
-Communicate with teachers, attend teacher/parent conferences.
-Plan, participate in leisure activities with the children.
In some cases it is not always clear who is the primary caregiver because both parents share responsibilities. That’s when the courts look to what will be in the best interests of the children. Some of the issues the court considers when determining best interests include:
-The wishes of the children if they are old enough.
-The physical and mental wellness of the parents.
-Religious preferences of the parents and the children.
-Need for the continuation of a reliable home environment.
-Opportunity and support for interacting with members of both parents’ extended family.
-Interactions and relationships with other members of the household.
-Relationship to school and the local community.
-Age of the child or children.
-Parental application of discipline.
-If there is any evidence of drug or alcohol consumption by the parents.
