The Power Of Guardianship

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By state law, guardianship is a relationship between the guardian and court that gives one person or entity the duty and power to make personal and/or property decisions. Guardianships are designed to protect the interest of incapacitated adults and elders. Pam Wright, licensed attorney in Tennessee and elder law specialists said, " I always tell people to think about it earlier if possible because if you can make some of these decisions and think about this while you are able to make your own decisions, you can decide who can handle your business ahead of time."

Who Can Be A POA

The financial power of attorney and medical power of attorney are the two important forms assigned to one or two people to help aging adults with their end of life …show more content…

Public Guardianship

When there is no one there to turn to like a family member, friend, bank, or company a public guardian, also known as conservators, help people over 60 who can no longer help themselves. In 1986, the Tennessee General Assembly established the Public Guardianship for the Elderly Program for that purpose. According to TN Commission on Aging and Disability, this service is available in all 95 counties in Tennessee. To find a conservator, contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD).

The first step in finding guardianship programs is to contact the office by calling 901-222-4100 and request an application. After the application is received, reviewed and accepted, then a consultation with doctors, attorneys, and social workers may help in the decision that persons 60 years of age and older can live …show more content…

More seniors are choosing this option as this service industry grows. In 2014, the average cost of home care in Tennessee was $17 per hour. The services are usually private pay; however, it is important to check long-term care insurance policies. According to Pew Research Center, the extent to which older adults value their independence and wish to live in their own home, even when they can no longer care for themselves. In a survey conducted Oct. 27-Nov. 24, 2014, among 1,692 adults, about six-in-ten adults ages 65 and older (61%) say that if there came a time when they could no longer live on their own, they would stay in their own home and have someone care for them there.
Dorothy Smith said, "living at home is the best decision she made because it gives her freedom and the right to still be in control." Her granddaughter Tara Anthony White is her MPOA (Medical Power of Attorney) because of Smith's POA, her daughter lives in the state of Florida and when she is not here White steps up to the

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