How can I get control over my elderly parents for medical decisions?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How can I get control over my elderly parents for medical decisions?

My dad is 90 years old and my mother is 81. Their family doctor has decided to

take both of them off of Klonopin. I have since seen my dad get into a terrible shape and had to take him to the ER for help. My mother was the same way. Is there anything that I can do for them?

Asked on July 25, 2018 under Estate Planning, West Virginia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

If, despite their age, they are still mentally competent, they can give you authority over their medical decisions by creating what is commonly called a "heath care proxy" or "medical power of attorney." This is voluntary on their part--you cannot make them do this, or otherwise take authority over mentally competent adutls' medical decisions. If they want to do this, an elder law attorney can easily draw the document up.
If you believe they are no longer mentally competent--and believe there is medical evidence (e.g. the testimony and opinions of doctors who have been treating or examining them) supporting their incompetence--you could bring a legal action to have them declared incompetent and a guardian (e.g. you) appointed for them to make medical (and other) decisions. Be warned this can be a complex, expensive action to bring (among other things, you have to find doctors who can testify to their incompetence and pay those doctors for their time). If want to find out more about this option, consult with an elder law attorney or an attorney who handles cases involving the disabled.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption