Legal guardianship in pa papers1/31/2024 Someone appointed to make decisions about the person’s medical care and other aspects of their personal life - for example, where they should live - is called a “conservator (or guardian) of the person.” This can also sometimes be called a “medical guardianship,” especially if the person already resides in a long-term care community. The conservator might be appointed to decide about their finances, medical and personal care, or both. Decisions made by the conservator have the legal backing of the court. If someone can’t make critical decisions for themself, a judge appoints someone - called the “conservator” - to make those decisions for them. To keep things simple, we’ll just use the term conservatorship. What Is a Conservatorship or Adult Guardianship?Ĭonservatorship and adult guardianship often refer to the same thing - different states may use one name or the other. But it might help solve the huge problem of who makes major decisions that involve your loved one when they can’t do so themself. It’s not simple to arrange, usually requires a lawyer, and needs a judge’s approval. If they have a durable power of attorney for finances, there will be someone to take care of money matters.īut what if your loved one has only one of these documents? Or neither? Or there are important decisions not covered in those documents? That’s where a conservatorship, or adult guardianship, might come in. If the person has an advanced health care directive, sometimes known as medical guardianship, decisions regarding health care are likely already taken care of. The unfortunate truth is that many older adults experience periods toward the end of life when they cannot make decisions for themselves - due to Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, a stroke, an accident, general cognitive decline, or some other serious medical condition. But if you are considering this step, you’re not alone. If the person you care for is in good health, you may not be thinking about their possible need for a conservatorship or adult guardianship.
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