Corporate Guardianship

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Corporate Guardianship

In the state of Massachusetts, an individual who turns 18 years old is considered competent to make decisions in his/her own best interest. For an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, guardianship may be sought by a family member (parents, siblings, etc.), an individual outside of the family (an attorney or someone who wishes to become a guardian), or a professional care provider (nursing centers, human service agencies). Corporate Guardianship permits an agency to be appointed by the Probate Court to assume responsibility for making personal and/or financial decisions for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The Guardianship Program at The Arc of Greater Boston provides services in the Greater of Boston areas and other towns in Eastern Massachusetts. The program also reaches out as requested to Western Massachusetts and neighboring states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The need for guardianship services is undeniable for many people, and the Corporate Guardianship Program at The Arc of Greater Boston continues to offer the service at manageable fees. Our service is endorsed by other service providers and individuals as an invaluable source for those in need. Our guardianship staff develops a personal, caring relationship with the persons we serve. Our goal is to act on behalf of the individual's best interest while, at the same time, allowing him/her to maintain independence to the greatest possible degree. Corporate Guardianship at The Arc of Greater Boston guarantees a lifetime commitment to the individual receiving services, which include:

• Full permanent guardian (of both the person and the estate)
• Temporary guardian (Usually 90 days)
• Guardian of the person only
• Medical guardian only
• Co-guardian with parents, siblings, or other family members of the individuals
• Rogers Monitor (to monitor dosage and usage of antipsychotic medications
• Conservator/Guardian of the estate
• Personal Trustee
• Representative Payee

As guardian, The Arc of Greater Boston ensures that all needs of the individual are being met. Services provided within the Corporate Guardianship Program include:

• Case management
• Financial management where appropriate
• Attendance at Individual Support Planning meetings to set up realistic and attainable goals, and at other meetings to address immediate issues
• Visitation to home and/or day programs at least quarterly
• Help to integrate individuals into the community by promoting inclusion
• Help find new homes, work places, and retirement programs
• Advocate for appropriate changes in house mates or staff when needed.
• Move the individual out of nursing homes and into a more individually appropriate situation when necessary
• Ensure best possible medical treatment
• Review the individual's records regularly
• Court appearances on behalf of the individual to justify guardianship
• Respond promptly to letters, telephone calls, & other correspondences such as email, fax, etc. from the individual's service coordinator & other DMR staff or agencies which provide services to the individual
• Be available and accessible for consultation and decisions concerning medical, behavioral, day, residential, and other services
• Be available and accessible to respond to emergencies when they arise. Our office telephone number (617 783-3900) is a 24/7 contact number. The prompt will direct callers to an on-call pager number.