It’s most likely that someone we care about, will become unable to take care of themselves at one point. This usually occurs when a person is elderly, or struggles with a severe disability. When this happens, it’s very upsetting. It also can be very stressful and worrisome, if we don’t trust the person that looks after our incapacitated loved one.
Fortunately Pennsylvania courts appoint guardians for those who are proven incapacitated. A legal guardian will be held accountable for making certain decisions on the incapacitated person’s behalf. Such as medical, financial, and personal matters.
Duties Of A Guardian:
- Make certain decisions for the incapacitated person. Financial, Medical, personal.
- Assure that the incapacitated person is surrounded by a safe environment.
- Submit annual reports.
If being a guardian is something you believe is best for the incapacitated person, and yourself–we suggest you take the following steps to put this plan into action:
- Contact our law firm
- File Paperwork
- Attend Hearing
After years of several reports of elderly abuse, Pennsylvania has finally addressed the issue by cracking down on the rules to become a guardian. And, as of June 1, 2019 – those rules went into effect.
New Changes And Rules For Becoming A Guardian:
Pass a background check!
In previous years criminal and background checks were not necessary. Now you must be cleared of a criminal record, and successfully pass a background check.
More standardized annual reports.
Before a guardian had to submit simple annual reports. Now there is much more detail regarding the incapacitated person.
The GTS/Guardianship Tracking System!
What seems like the biggest change of all, is the Guardian Tracking System. The GTS is an online tracking system that will help keep track of annual reports for the incapacitated person. It will also help the gaudiness follow the more standardized reports, and make submissions much easier.
No matter what age a loved one becomes incapacitated, it’s always important to understand that there are options that could help during this stressful time. Being a guardian may be the best one for both of you.
