How to Make an Elderly Parent a Ward of the State

It's a tough pill to swallow, but sometimes you may be unable to take care of your elderly parents, especially if they suffer from debilitating health conditions. A good solution, in this case, would be to involve authorities that could take care of every need of your parents.

To make your parent a ward of the state, you should gather information about your parent's health, collect a petition outlining why they need a state guardian, and submit it to a courthouse. Afterward, you need to attend hearings where a judge will review the facts and make a decision.

1. Consult an Attorney

Making your parent a state ward is a big step that should be considered carefully. You should ask for help from someone who is familiar with elder law.

2. Gather Information About Your Parent's Health

You need to make sure you have all the information to prove that your parent is incapable of caring for themselves. Contact medical professionals who can diagnose your parent and recommend guardianship.

3. Request a Petition

Collect a petition for your parent to become a state ward from the nearest courthouse in the county where your parent is living.

4. Fill Out the Petition

Give your parent's name and contact information and explain why this adult is no longer capable of making decisions for themselves. 7 Reasons Why Caring for Elderly Parents is So Hard

5. Submit the Petition

You will be asked to pay a fee for filing the request. The fee varies but can be around $500.

6. Allow the Court To Examine the Case

The court will review the petition and schedule visits from court-appointed professionals. The court will notify your parent and appoint an attorney for them.

7. Attend Court Hearings

A judge will oversee the hearing. You will need to attend in person and may have to answer further questions.

8. Wait for the Decision

If approved, a state guardian will be appointed. This guardian will be responsible for every aspect of your parent's well-being, from paying rent to taking care of their bills. They will also use the money to provide basic home safety and buy home care products, like the Medical King Bed Assist Rail (available on Amazon).

Final Thoughts

It's not an easy decision, but sometimes you have no other choice. Consult an attorney first, gather medical information, submit a petition, attend a hearing, and wait for the verdict.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.