What is my role as a guardian?
A Guardian is…..
- A court-appointed person or entity with the duty and authority to make personal, medical, and financial decisions on behalf and in the best interest of the individual in guardianship.
- Responsible to make ethical and person-centered decisions with and on behalf of the individual. The Guardian should involve the individual to the fullest extent possible in making decisions that affect their lives. The Guardian will also work as part of a person-centered team that involves the courts and a variety of service providers.
Primary duties include (but are not limited to)…..
- Adheres to all state guardianship statutes, regulations, and policies
- Completes all necessary documents and reports
- Makes routine and emergency visits with individuals under guardianship
- Attend meeting(s) to plan for services and supports with the Person-Centered Team
- Approves living arrangements
- Approves healthcare decisions
- Applies for and establishes the individuals benefits i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, Medicaid Waivers, SSA, VA, food stamps, etc. (approval not guaranteed)
- Files state and federal taxes
- Sets up budgets, pays reoccurring bills
- Manages and invests funds and assets as applicable
- Establish burial arrangements as needed
- Secure and liquidate assets
- Attends court hearings
Fiduciary and Benefits Branches
- DAIL uses a three-pronged approach to ensure guardianship roles and responsibilities are met for our individuals under guardianship.
- The Division of Guardianship Services works with and is supported by the Benefits Management Branch and the Fiduciary Management Branch. These two branches operate under the DCBS Division of Administration and Financial Management.
- The Benefits and Fiduciary Management Branches are responsible for applying for and maintaining benefits (e.g., Medicaid, SSI, Veterans, etc.), filing taxes, managing/investing funds and paying bills and expenses on behalf of our individuals.
