How Can an Elder’s Primary Dangers Be Addressed?

An elder who can foresee need of assistance in caring for herself should appoint a trusted friend or family members as his attorney-in-fact. 

The attorney-in-fact (“AIF”) for the elder should consult with a geriatric care manager (“GCM”), and together they should create a comprehensive care plan for the elder.  Together with the GCM, the AIF and GCM should assemble the needed care providers for the elder (doctor, dentist, psychologist, social worker, care providers, attorney, accountant or bookkeeper, and other needed professionals, along with the supportive family members) into an elder care team.

If finances prohibit assembling a full care team, the family members should assemble as much of a support team as is possible, create a care plan, and assign tasks to the supportive persons involved with the elder.
 
If the elder presents a danger to herself or others, the family should consider the possibility of establishing a guardianship to protect the elder.  The guardian will be required by law to create a care plan, and should himself establish an elder care team. 

   
Brad Lancaster works as a Seattle divorce attorney, and Seattle probate attorney, and Seattle elder law attorney, serving King County and Snohomish County, including Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Woodway, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Alderwood, Brier, Kenmore, Woodinville, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, and Everett.  Brad provides collaborative solutions to human conflict.