The responsibility of having to make decisions for another individual on a daily basis both characterizes and sets apart the role of a legal guardian from that of other professionals.  Other professionals, such as physicians and attorneys, act at the direction of their client.  The guardian is employed to provide direction for his or her client.  A legal guardian will be called upon to perform five key roles for his or her client:

• Advocate
• Surrogate decision maker
• Coordinator and monitor of services
• Financial planner and estate manager
• Professional practitioner
  

There are two main types of guardianship:

The court will appoint a Guardianship of the Person when an individual is unable to make and carry out decisions regarding his or her personal welfare and basic needs.

A Guardianship of the Estate will be appointed by the Court when a person is deemed unable to make decisions as they relate to handling financial matters.

Guardianship is initiated only as a last resort for those individuals who need assistance, but have no close relatives or friends who are able to perform the role.  The primary purpose of the guardian is to protect the income and assets of the ward from waste and undue influence.

Senior Matters takes this responsibility very seriously.  Our Legal Registered Guardians are bonded and of the highest moral character. When making decisions, the needs of the client are always primary.

Government forms and applications can be confusing and difficult to complete, especially for an older adult or disabled individual.

Senior Matters can assist you with completing VA (Veterans Administration) applications for benefits such as pension and burial, and with completing South Carolina Medicaid applications for long-term care.

Senior Matters works with individuals as well as long-term care communities to complete state Medicaid applications.