Tips for Adult Caregivers

As an adult caregiver for a loved one, you take on many responsibilities that generally fall into two categories: Health and medical care, and financial matters. While you may focus time and effort on physical well-being, you must also handle appropriate arrangements for money and property. If the person in your charge has difficulty getting around, it can be very difficult to execute necessary documents. Mobile notary services can solve typical problems with transportation, so it’s important to understand how they work.

The Role of a Notary Public

A notary professional is granted credentials by state government to act as a witness to the execution of documents, such as powers of attorney, wills and trusts. The rationale behind requiring a document to be notarized is that, when a notary professional verifies the completeness of the papers and identity of the parties signing, there is less likelihood of fraud. Plus, a notary public also ensures that the signatories are willing to sign without threat or intimidation from others.

Special Considerations When Notarizing for Older or Disabled Individuals

There are some factors that come up when an adult caregiver must obtain a notarization for the person in their care.

• Safety Issues: Transporting an elderly or disabled person can be extremely difficult depending on their health condition, which raises safety problems. Medical equipment may not travel well in a car, or moving the person may be impossible. It’s often best to hire mobile notary services rather than risk a trip to an office.

• Obtaining Proper Verification: In the case of an elderly person without an ID, the notary public needs to use alternative means for establishing identity. A mobile notary professional has knowledge of state laws on how to prove identity without photo ID; for example, in some states, a notary can have two witnesses personally known to the signer attest on identity. If they cannot physically sign, a mobile notary knows the procedures for executing by the person’s mark with proper witnesses.

• Physical & Mental Issues: As the job of a notary public is to ensure that the person is signing under their own free will, mental capacity may be at stake for the disabled and elderly. The notary cannot apply the seal or stamp unless the person is lucid and demonstrates full willingness to sign.

Unfortunately, adult caregivers may be accused of coercion by others, especially in the case of a will or trust. Having a document notarized protects an adult caregiver, because the notary public is neutral and must assess the willingness of the signatory. There’s less chance of a legal challenge when a notary is present to judge the signer’s willingness without any threat or coercion.

The job of an adult caregiver is rewarding, though there can be challenges when you have to make special transportation arrangements for necessary appointments. When you retain a mobile notary public for onsite service, you no longer have the hassles involved with transportation. As with any professionals that assist you with care matters, make sure you hire mobile notary services that are courteous, professional and have the proper credentials.