Expert: Michalene Peticca - 12/23/2008

Question
Hello, my grandmother(81) has had Alzheimers for a few years now, and Im really starting to notice a big difference in her day to day lifestyle.  She is still living with my grandfather who is not very healthy himself, physically.  I think the added stress with his condition is effecting her judgement.  I want to step in and assume responsibilites for them, IE, making sure bills get paid, medical appointments scheduled and attended, and other duties taken care of.  She has been seeing many different doctors for insignificant reasons and I beleive she is wasting what little money she has on things she will never use nor benefit from.  I just dont want her to be taken advantage of.  When is the right time to step in?  I feel that if I were to bring this up to her, that it may break her heart. I guess Im just unsure of what to do and need guidance.  I havent really dealt with any issues as such as I am only 22 years old.

Answer
Hello Kyle,

Thank you for writing.  It is very nice to see a young person care so much about their grandparents.

I would suggest that you talk to your grandfather about your concerns and see if you can become their Power of Attorney.  This, however, does require a lot of responsbility on your part and i ask you to thing about that aspect.

As Power of Attorney, you would be able to make decisios for their financial and physical well-being.  If, in an emergency, you would Have to make finanical and physical decisions about their well-being.

A mutual understanding of their wants and desires as well as your desire to care for them could be very beneficial for them.

I wish you the best of luck and a blessed holiday season.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA