Uncle refusues to sign anything

debodun

debodun

SF VIP
Location
way upstate in New York, USA
Since my uncle was placed in an assisted care facility (against his will), he's stubbornly refused to sign any papers. One is important for paying for his care. It needs his personal signature (POA can't do it). Another one is having a will made. When we ask him why he won't sign anything, he just shrugs or says, "I don't have to do anything I don't want to do." I think it's his resistance in allowing others to control what happens to him. I'm not sure if there's any way we can persuade him when he feels so threatened. Any suggestions?
 

No real suggestions, but I'm confident you're right in your assessment of his reasons. Is there a social worker or psychologist he hasn't talked to who might help him?

What happens if he won't sign the paper for authorizing payment for his care? Could he care for himself if they sent him home?
 
I doubt he could care for himself any longer. That's why he's in a nursing home, although he doesn't seem to be any better off there and it's not the facility's fault. He is very difficult and refuses physical therapy or personal hygiene ministrations.
 

It needs his personal signature (POA can't do it).

I find this curious. What if a person was in a coma, a vegetative state, insane or otherwise not able to be responsible in any way.... what good then, would that person's signature be?
 
RadishRose said:
It needs his personal signature (POA can't do it).

I find this curious. What if a person was in a coma, a vegetative state, insane or otherwise not able to be responsible in any way.... what good then, would that person's signature be?
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Right a poa should be able to navigate his papers, see an attorney.
 
debodun, I really think this situation is beyond the purview of random strangers on an internet message board. You should consult with an attorney who knows eldercare law. If you don't know one, call your local lawyer referral association. A consultation shouldn't cost much (if anything). Every state has a Dept of Aging and you can call them and get some suggestions/assistance from professionals trained to deal with these situations. Good luck.
 
Unless a person is declared legally incompetent in a court of law, and a legal guardian is assigned, no one can force them to do anything they don't want to. We old folks have protection in that regard.. Thank goodness... we get to make our own decisions.
 
QuickSilver said:
Unless a person is declared legally incompetent in a court of law, and a legal guardian is assigned, no one can force them to do anything they don't want to. We old folks have protection in that regard.. Thank goodness... we get to make our own decisions.
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And I'm glad we do. Like younger people are making such great decisions about everything. They can butt out or have us declared incompetent.
 
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