Helping a loved one with dementia sell their home is not an easy position to be in. Are you facing the uncertainty and discomfort of helping a loved one with dementia sell their home? I specialize in downsizing and retirement on The Main Line. Finding out that a loved one is diagnosed with dementia can bring up a lot of feelings, least of which is how to deal with selling a home and moving into a more stable and manageable living environment as their condition deteriorates. Here are some things you will need to consider as a guardian or power of attorney to someone with dementia.
First, be an ally and move quickly while they are still in the capacity to make decisions for themselves. There are some incredible facilities for aging in place on The Main Line, like Athyrton and Beauxmont at Bryn Mawr, and while you cannot sign sales documents for someone with dementia without legal authority, you can help them avoid costly mistakes and find a realtor who specializes in these sales.
If you are in a position that is more advanced, when dementia turns into incapacitation, the matter becomes a legal one. The court often looks to medical information to determine if someone has capacity and these levels vary widely depending on your state. At this point you will want to figure out the power of Attorney status. This gives a family member, lawyer, or other person designated by an individual with dementia the right to make financial decisions for them when they are ruled incapacitated. This can be done in the first step, prior to any deterioration and is part of any good estate plan.
But what also if someone with dementia doesn’t have a POA and is too incapacitated to designate one? Then a guardian or conservator may be appointed. In addition to handling financial matters, guardians are responsible for making sure their day-to-day needs are met. In the event a legal guardian is not a family member or friend, To protect the rights of the person with dementia during the petitioning process, the court appoints a “guardian ad litem” (GAL)
The other stages, once you have determined whether you have the legal right or need to take steps to obtain it, or you are the one who is estate planning, the next thing to do is declutter and decide which facility meets your needs. This can be a really emotional time and I understand the feelings this can bring up, while also navigating the real estate transactions that need to take place to make your transition the smoothest it can be for yourself or your loved one. Let’s take this next step together. Kimmy Rolph sells The Main Line and local areas.
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