Why are guardianships necessary?
The most important reason to have a guardianship in place is to expedite medical treatment needed by the disabled person. Doctors and hospitals may refuse to perform necessary but non-emergency procedures on disabled patients without legally authorized consent. A guardian can provide such consent in the most efficient manner. Having a legal guardian appointed is also useful and sometimes necessary in order to provide consent or acknowledgment on behalf of the ward in situations regarding the ward’s care and well-being, such as consenting to behavior modification plans or other treatment plans, consenting to use of medications, acknowledging receipt of rules, regulations and rights, and signing various forms on behalf of the ward regarding benefits, procedures, etc. A guardianship which covers the ward’s health and personal care is known as a guardianship of the person, or just guardianship. If the disabled person has any significant assets, a conservator will be needed to manage them u
