Your Role as a Guardian in Person-Centered Planning

Asian senior or elderly old lady woman patient in wheelchair

It is important to remember that your role as a guardian is to set high, but achievable, expectations based on what is both positive and possible and not based on the limited life experiences the person may have had. Many people who come under State Guardianship have experienced significant trauma and thus may have low self-esteem, a lack of willingness to trust others, and a dearth of real-life experiences which would lead to a positive identity for the person.

Your role as a guardian in the planning process is to:

A bubble graph describing the role of a guardian as described in the list below the graph.

Ensure the individual under guardianship has a voice and empower active participation, to the best of the person’s ability in the planning process and decision making.
Involve the individual under guardianship by asking and gathering information about the person’s likes, dislikes, wants, needs, hopes, dreams, and desires.
Understand that everyone is different so the person-centered planning process is not a “one size fits all” approach.
Remain unbiased and non-judgmental.
Ensure the process is carried out in a way that promotes self-confidence, a stronger sense of self-identity, healing, and positive growth.