Guardianship is a legal process by which a court designates a substitute decision-maker for an individual who has been mentally incapacitated. This guardian particularly assists with decisions related to finances and healthcare, for example: determining how to protect the client’s finances, advocating for appropriate medical care, ensuring access to medical insurance benefits, navigating life transitions and critical health decisions, and completing end-of-life arrangements. Staff in the Guardianship Program use a client’s history, needs, and wishes to inform their decision-making, and offer the encouragement and reassurance necessary to help make every day as positive as possible.

In order to be eligible for the Adult Guardianship Services Program, an individual must:

• Be at least 60 years old
• Be mentally incapacitated and unable to make medical and financial decisions for themselves
• Have no family or friends able, willing, or suitable to serve as a guardian
• Live in St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall or Kosciusko Counties in Indiana

Referrals to the Guardianship Program are reviewed monthly by the Guardianship Advisory Council. A referral document, a physician’s statement, and an individual’s most recent physical and medical history must be submitted by the Thursday before the 3^rd Wednesday of the month in order for that individual’s case to be reviewed. After reviewing a referral, REAL Services petitions the court to become the individual’s guardian.

More information:
Phone: 574-284-2649
Email: guardianship@realservices.org
Remote Fax: 574- 966-1439