Guardianship and its Alternatives

Continuum of Support

There are a number of alternatives to guardianship that, if tailored appropriately to meet the needs of the person, may delay guardianship or eliminate the need for it altogether.

Sometimes a single alternative may do the job, providing a person with the care, protection, and support she needs. Often, however, a combination of alternatives is needed to address a person’s needs, which is why it’s important to collect as much information as you can (see above) so you can identify the best range of alternatives that enables the person with diminished capacity to retain as much choice, control, and dignity as possible.

The chart at right (Continuum of Support?) shows the range of alternatives to full guardianship. Alternatives are categorized according to the level of decision-making power retained by the person and by the level of court involvement needed to execute the arrangement.

<Back - Next>