She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 4 years ago at age 64. Lately she has become more confused and really unable to carry on a conversation or understand just about anything. The one thing that she hasn't lost is her stubbornness and will try to argue with me for just about everything. She doesn't really recognize our kids or grandkids and when we tell her who they are she just nods and says that she knows them. I can see her getting worse everyday and need to find out how to go about getting a POA or guardianship. I also know at this stage she will not be agreeable and is going to get upset about it. How should I proceed ? Thanks
Do you already have MD willing to talk to you, POA for her health care decisions these last years?
BurntCaregiver has posted this can be done by going only to the court with your paperwork. I am not aware of that being possible, but you may want to private message her as to how to do that if she doesn't reply to your question here.
Too late for POA but I’m not sure you need guardianship. It would be worthwhile to spend an hour with an attorney to ask these questions. You’re the husband, have control of the money I assume. I don’t think medical and care providers are going to demand legal papers from you to care for your wife.
I went through the guardianship/Conservatorship process with my parents due to some real estate issues. Lots of paperwork and a court hearing. Cost about $4000 and took 4 months and this was simple uncontested case.
They can help you in what you need to do to ensure that you are not left destitute by having to place her in a care facility, if money is an issue.
They can guide you on placement and what type of paperwork you need. As a spouse you really have loads of authority, so you may not need anything but, please see an attorney and don't listen to advice on an anonymous forum. This situation is far to important to trust personal opinions.