Residence
Athena Advocacy has experience working with individuals living in a variety of care settings: at home or in different care communities. A guardian works to maximize independence by working with family and medical professionals to determine the most appropriate residential setting. Some residential changes must be approved by the court.
Medical Treatment
A guardian works with a person’s medical team to provide appropriate consent for any medical treatment and has the authority to release medical information as may be necessary to insure the best treatment options.
End-of-life Decisions
The guardian assists with making end-of-life decisions to protect the wishes of the person under guardianship. Additionally, the guardian arranges final burial, writing an obituary, and disbursement of possessions to family members as may be necessary.
Financial
Funds that belong to the person under guardianship remain the property of that person, and do not become the property of the guardian. The guardian acts on behalf of the person under guardianship only to the extent of the person’s assets. The guardian’s goal is to preserve assets, create a budget to maintain care, and apply for long-term care if the situation warrants.
Court Oversight
Funds that belong to the person under guardianship remain the property of that person, and do not become the property of the guardian. The guardian acts on behalf of the person under guardianship only to the extent of the person’s assets. The guardian’s goal is to preserve assets, create a budget to maintain care, and apply for long-term care if the situation warrants.
Communication
At Athena, communication is central to our practice. During the initial phase of a guardianship, we will communicate with the court, family members, attorneys, and any other important people in the life of the person under guardianship to get the fullest possible picture of their life and wishes.