Adult Advocacy Program - Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota - Rochester

A Guardian or a Conservator is a court appointed decision maker to care for and protect the rights of the clients including the prevention of abuse, exploitation, or self-neglect. A Guardian can make decisions regarding the personal affairs including medical, health, and residential for someone who cannot make these types of decisions because of an injury, illness, or disability.

- Determining where the client lives and to make sure that his or her needs are being met including their care, comfort, and maintenance needs

- Taking reasonable care of and safeguarding the client’s personal property

- Consenting to and monitoring medical treatment while keeping forefront the wishes of the client. This often includes accompanying the client to medical and/or therapy appointments.

- Advocating on behalf of the client for housing/living arrangements, employment and/or training. This is done while maximizing the client’s independence in the least restrictive manner.

- Ensuring and applying on behalf of the ward for any assistance or benefits he or she is entitled to including Social Security, Veterans benefits, Medicare, and/or Medical Assistance

A Conservator can make decisions regarding the financial affairs of a person who cannot make these types of decisions because of an injury, illness, or disability.

- Paying reasonable charges for the support, maintenance, and/or the education of the client

- The duty to pay lawful debts out of the client’s estate

- The duty to manage the estate and collect all debts and claims in favor of the client

- The authority to approve or withhold approval of any contract except for necessities

- Applying on the behalf of the client for assistance, services, or benefits available, including Social Security, Veterans benefits, Medicare, and/or Medical Assistance

- The power to revoke durable power of attorney