A new bill could improve U.S. guardianship programs for older clients and clients with disabilities.
S. 1148, the Guardianship Bill of Rights Act bill, would create a Guardianship and Other Protective Arrangements and Supported Decision Making Council.
The national council would promote use of arrangements less restrictive than guardianships, collect data on guardianship practices at the national and state levels, and fund organizations that protect the rights of people with guardians and people who are facing guardianship need evaluations.
Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the bill last week at a hearing on guardianships.
What It Means
Many clients who need long-term care services also eventually need guardians.
S. 1148 could shine more light on guardianship arrangements and provide some support for organizations that try to defend people like your clients against abusive guardians.
The Background
Casey noted in his opening remarks that at least 1.3 million U.S. residents have guardians, but that current numbers are hard to find, and that reports of financial abuse and other forms of abuse by guardians are common.