A Guardian of the Person is needed to serve as the decision-maker when an individual has been deemed legally incompetent to make his or her own decisions for their personal care. A guardianship of the person is designed to protect persons who, because of their significant impairment, are not able to defend against exploitation or abuse by others and to assist persons who, because of their disability, are not able to adequately provide for their own care or custody. The responsibilities include: ● Always inform and involve the ward to the greatest extent possible when decisions need to be made • Health & person decisions • Exercise ward’s right to examine medical and treatment records • Approve medical care(s) • Approve medication(s) • Approve residential setting • Apply and advocate for services the person needs but is not receiving • Attend team meetings every 6 months • Attend residential required meetings • Make decision in regards to where the ward should live • Observe and discuss the ward’s situation and needs • Inquire into risks, benefits and alternatives, particularly where drastic, aversive or restrictive treatments are proposed • Communicate to the Care Management Team any medical or medication changes • Sign Family Care Member Center Plan (MCP) documents every six months, if applicable • Sign legal documents • Meet with ward at minimum once a quarter, but contact at least one time per month • Advocate for ward/appeals & grievances • Document time and nature of time spent with ward and submit summary of activity to La Crosse County quarterly • Submit required annual report(s) to the Court
