Less Restrictive Alternatives to Guardianship

Supported Decision Making

A less restrictive way to support people with disabilities in making and communicating their own decisions about their lives.

Informal Help and Services

Friend, family, and technology helping with decision making. For example, medication machines, smart devices, adaptive items, friends and family assisting in transportation, attending appointments, assisting in communication and understanding.

Medical Power of Attorney (POA) 

Someone appoints a trusted individual to make Health Care decisions on their behalf when they are unable to.

Advanced Directive

Also known as a Living Will.

Physician’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment 

Your doctor can record your wishes regarding a serious or advanced illness and your treatment options on a form that is then recognized as a medical order.

Limited Guardianship

This is where only some, not all rights are transferred to a guardian.

For Financial Decisions:

Informal Supports

This could include automatic bill pay, direct deposit, or bill payer programs.

Authorized signers on accounts

This allows a second individual to make transactions on the account.

Joint Accounts

Allows more that one person to own and manage an account.

Financial Power of Attorney

Someone appoints a trusted individual to make financial decisions on their behalf when they are unable to.

Revocable Living Trust 

A trust set up to hold property and manage property.

Representative Payee 

An individual or entity that manages and individuals benefits on their behalf (such as Social Security).

Limited Conservatorship

Only some financial rights, not all are transferred to a court appointed conservator.

Thank you to *NCEA National center on Elder Abuse* NCEA | Home for the above information. For additional information on less restrictive means, please visit any of the links above.