Notarizations at Long Term Care Facilities. What you need to know
Originally Posted 11/19/21
I have had the distinct pleasure of providing my mobile notary services to a wide range of individuals and businesses. One of the most special areas of service I have had the opportunity to experience is notarization in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. It's never quite the same experience, depending on the facility, the family, and the signer.
It's these experiences that have given me the desire to share with you what exactly is entailed in a signing at these facilities.
There are a number of things that must be taken into consideration when notarizing a document for a patient at a long-term care facility or nursing home. First, is the patient or signer able to communicate? Are they able to understand the document in which they are being asked to sign? Are they capable of signing? The mental and physical state of the signer is the first and most important concern to address.
In addition to their physical and mental capabilities, there will be a question of the signer having a valid I.D. This could be an unexpired driver’s license (or if expired- issued within the last 5 years) It could be a valid and unexpired passport. However, often the signer has been unable to renew an id for a number of years. In that case, the notary will need two, non-related, credible witnesses.
Credible witnesses are two individuals who know the signer- and can verify their identity to the notary. However, they cannot be related to the signer. This causes some difficulties. Some facilities will gladly stand in as credible witnesses but most, from my experience, will not. So then you will be responsible for acquiring two witnesses who know the signer personally and are not related to them.
Another consideration to keep in mind is the document may require two witnesses. These witnesses are there to witness the signer's signature. Documents that often require this are the Last Will and Testimony.
There is yet another consideration to be accounted for and that is if the facility has an Ombudsman on staff. Let's get into who, and what the role of an Ombudsman is.
An Ombudsman is often appointed by the government and is a public advocate that investigates complaints against companies. A long term care Ombudsman is in place to protect the rights of the patients. See this article by the California Department of Aging, that outlines the role and responsibilities of a long term care Ombudsman. Click Here!
If the facility where the signer is residing has an Ombudsman or access to an Ombudsman, this is a good thing. This person fights for the rights of the patients. However, it could make having a document signed a little more difficult to get done. If an Ombudsman is part of the facility, more often than not the ombudsman is required to be present for the entire signing. That means before you schedule a notary, you must first schedule the ombudsman to be present.
With all of that said, having a notary come to the facility you choose is not terribly complicated. Understanding the process and requirements of both the notary and the facility will make the entire signing process much easier.
I mentioned before that I have had many opportunities to provide my notary services in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. I've enjoyed every appointment and met some of the most amazing and wonderful people and it is a service I am so proud to offer.
If you have any documents you need signed and notarized in a facility like this, please give me a call. You can call or text me at 559-212-4706. You can email me at jcooper@jkcmobilenotary.com and you can also book me directly through my website at JKC Mobile Notary.
