Middle Ground Alternatives
Here are a few examples of middle ground alternatives to full guardianship:
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Jason, a man with a serious illness, appoints a Power of Attorney, or health care agent, to make medical decisions for him when his illness worsens and he is unable to make health care decisions for himself. Jason’s power of attorney only makes medical decisions when Jason becomes ill. Jason continues to handle all other personal and financial affairs.inda, a woman with a developmental disability, constantly seeks out the most dangerous and unhealthy living situations.
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Linda requires a Limited Residential Guardian to make decisions about where she lives. Linda is still able to decide who her friends are and how she spends her money.
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Harold, an elderly man with Alzheimer’s, is working with a lawyer to create a Living Will. This advance planning document will ensure that Harold’s wishes for medical treatment are recorded for the future. When Harold is no longer able to make decisions for himself, his living will will communicate his health care wishes to family members and medical providers.