Harford The Caregiver's Toolkit

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28 T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
CHAPTER 3
LEGAL & FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Power of Attorney (Financial)
It is important to anticipate the need to take over
the management of your loved one’s financial
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to allow a friend or family member to assist a
loved one with paper work and financial affairs.
Your personal attorney can assist in creating
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needs. For those who cannot afford an attorney,
the Maryland Senior Legal Hotline can provide
information and may be able to help.
Call 1-800-896-4213 for more information.
KEY TERMS:
• Durable Power of Attorney: The loved one
has stated in writing, while still lucid, that the
document should remain valid in the event
that they are determined to “lack capacity.”
• Springing Power of Attorney: This can
be written to take effect immediately or
upon your loved one’s disability.
Guardianship
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one’s condition deteriorates to a point where
they “lack capacity.” The guardian will not have
access to their funds, and there is no Power
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guardianship in Maryland — guardianship of
the property and guardianship of the person.
Legal & Financial Issues
Advance Directives or Living Will
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of any adult instructing their physician to
withhold or withdraw life-sustaining procedures
in the event of a terminal condition, a
persistent vegetative state (permanent
unconsciousness) or an end-stage condition.
KEY TERMS:
• Appointment of a Health Care Agent names
a proxy who has legal authority to carry out
a person’s wishes and make a decision to
accept or refuse treatment for that person.
• End-stage condition is an advanced,
progressive, and incurable condition resulting
in complete physical dependency, i.e.
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• Health Care Instructions are similar to the
Living Will, but can go into effect in the case
of a terminal condition, a persistent vegetative
state or an end-stage condition.
• Living Will is designated to go into effect only
in the event of a terminal condition.
• Five Wishes is a private, non-profit
organization with a mission to safeguard
human dignity. or
1-888-594-7437.
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available free of charge from the Harford
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information, please contact your personal
attorney or call the Maryland Senior
Legal Hotline at 1-800-896-4213.
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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drawbacks and limitations. They may also be costly and time-consuming. For more information, call the
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