CORPORATE GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM FOR LAPORTE COUNTY

For almost 20 years, the Council on Aging Guardianship Program has provided dedicated care for the developmentally disabled, citizens with mental health issues, and incapacitated older adults.  Through the Guardianship program, adults who are unable to manage their own affairs get assistance with legal decision-making and life choices.  New referrals are carefully assessed and recommendations are made that will allow the individual the most personal choice feasible while protecting his or her personal safety and welfare.

FAQ's about Guardianship

What is the Guardianship Program?

The Corporate Guardianship Program for LaPorte County, as a non-profit program, was adopted in September 1990. Programs like this were established as a result of legislation brought about by the Older Americans Act and changes in the Indiana Code.

What is the purpose of the Program?

The Guardianship Program is dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of life and to the preservation of human and constitutional rights for the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and incapacitated who are at risk due to physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or lack of persons to advocate on their behalf.

The Guardianship Program is headquartered in the Council on Aging office. Does this mean it only serves seniors?

No, the Guardianship Program accepts vulnerable adults as young as 18 years old. Some of our clientele are older individuals incapacitated due to dementia, but others require guardianship services due to a developmental or physical disability or mental health issues.

What services are available?

• Guardianship is a legal proceeding where, based upon medical evidence, a court finds that a person is legally incompetent and unable to make decisions relating to his care and the management of assets.
The court then appoints a guardian to make these decisions.
1. Guardianship of Person confers upon the guardian the legal authority to make decisions regarding the individual’s care and custody.
2. Guardianship of Estate charges the guardian with protecting, preserving, investing, and accounting for the individual’s assets.
• Alternatives to Guardianship
1. A Power of Attorney document gives a competent individual an opportunity to authorize an agent to legally make decisions on his or her behalf. It can be revoked as long as the individual is still competent to do so. It may be used in combination with any of the following.
2. A Health Care Representative makes all decisions regarding health care, including choices regarding health care providers, medical treatment, and facilities.
3. As Representative Payee, the Guardianship Program may receive and manage federal funds (ex. Social Security or SSI payments) on behalf of the individual.
4. The Council on Aging also offers Advocacy services to legal representatives of individuals who wish to remain the decision-maker but want assistance. Examples include when a legal representative lives in a different state, or an institution or firm is the legal representative. The Council on Aging’s Advocacy program can be tailored to meet the representative’s needs: for instance, arranging for an advocate to attend doctor’s appointments and report back to the representative.

What if I qualify for several services?

The Program’s intent is to use the least restrictive means of protection that is appropriate to the situation according to current Indiana Law.

How do I get started?

• Call the Council on Aging (326-7889 or 1-800-308-9566) and ask to speak to someone in the Guardianship Program. The Program receives referrals from state agencies, hospitals, nursing and other residential facilities, attorneys, social service organizations, Adult Protective Services, family, friends, and others concerned with the protection of vulnerable individuals. Some people call or come in to request help for themselves.
• The assessment process begins with gathering information on the individual’s history and current circumstances.
• The assessment will help determine the least restrictive method of meeting the individual’s needs. Often, appropriate referrals for benefits or in-home services, or an increase in family involvement, may eliminate the need for Guardianship Program services. Even when these services are deemed appropriate, an individual with the capacity to do so may decline to participate in the Guardianship Program.
• When an individual is deemed in need of Guardianship Program services, his or her case is presented at the monthly Advisory Committee meeting. The Committee deliberates on all the cases presented and related issues: How heavy is the caseload? Are there other solutions? What does the funding look like? Whose need is most emergent?

Will I be able to afford this service?

Fees are on a sliding scale, based upon the client’s ability to pay. Medicaid and Social Security guidelines apply.

How is the Guardianship Program able to provide assistance on a sliding scale?

The Guardianship Program is very fortunate to have community support for its program. Ongoing funding is received from the United Way of LaPorte County and the Unity Foundation. Grants, donations, and fundraising are relied upon to make up the difference between expenses and revenue.

Why is this information on the Parents and Friends website?

The new millennium also signified a new era for both the LaPorte County Council on Aging and Parents and Friends, Inc. A merger between the two resulted in the Council on Aging becoming a department of Parents and Friends on January 1st, 2000. This has enabled the Guardianship Program to continue its important work and take advantage of new opportunities.

Is the Guardianship Program monitored?

The Corporate Guardianship Program for LaPorte County is monitored by the Board of Directors of Parents and Friends, Inc., and the Guardianship Program Advisory Committee, made up of members of the community with related areas of expertise. The Program Coordinator is directly responsible for daily operation of the program. Local attorneys provide legal services that include consultation, preparation of legal documents, and initiation of necessary legal proceedings. The Program’s finances are frequently subjected to audit by the Social Security Administration, the Courts, grantors, and other entities.

Does the Corporate Guardianship Program of LaPorte County have other affiliations?

It is a member of the National Guardianship Association and United Way of LaPorte County.

How can I help?

Individuals or groups can help with a donation of either time or money. Volunteers might visit clients, accompany them to doctor appointments, or run errands for them. Volunteers are trained by the agency and have a supervisor with whom they can discuss any concerns.