Which term refers to someone who cannot care for themselves due to incapacity?

The term that refers to someone who cannot care for themselves due to incapacity is "conservatee." This designation is typically used in the context of a legal arrangement where a court has determined that an individual is unable to manage their personal affairs or make decisions regarding their care and finances. As a conservatee, the individual may require a conservator, a person appointed by the court, to make decisions on their behalf, ensuring their needs and well-being are prioritized.

To provide further clarity, a beneficiary refers to a person who receives benefits from a will, trust, or insurance policy but does not necessarily imply incapacity. A principal is someone who grants authority to another within a legal or fiduciary relationship and is not related to a person’s capacity to care for themselves. A grantor is an individual who conveys property or assets to another, often within the context of trust law, and is also not related to incapacity. Thus, the term conservatee is specifically focused on the protection of individuals who are deemed unable to care for themselves, making it the appropriate choice in this context.