Public Guardianship

Senior Resource Association offers both Public and Private Guardianship programs.

Public Guardianship benefits indigent adults in Indian River County who have been deemed incapacitated by the court. SRA has been granted the rare privilege of overseeing this crucial program in our county so that no one unable to care for themselves at the very basic level will be abandoned in our community.

The Public Guardian Program provides guardianship services to adults with limited financial assets without someone willing or able to manage their personal and financial decisions and advocate for them. We strive to help our clients live independently whenever safe and possible for as long as possible.

Private Guardianship is provided for seniors with adequate means to pay a fee for guardianship services.

As a result, we have enabled more clients to benefit from the least restrictive placement appropriate for their needs, which is always the goal of guardianship.

Court-Assigned Public Guardian Responsibilities

Medical

  • Making and approving medical decisions, including setting and attending medical appointments.
  • Making appropriate end-of-life decisions such as hospice or Court-ordered DNR when it’s in the best interest of the ward.
  • Authorizing or monitoring medications.
  • Arranging nursing home placements.
  • Arranging in-home services for the wards.
  • Working with family members.
  • Oversight and arranging for the purchase of personal items.
  • Setting up prearranged/prepaid funeral services.

Financial

  • Open and maintain bank and/or trust accounts.
  • Receipt and payment of ward’s bills.
  • Obtain and maintain health insurance coverage and other benefits when appropriate.
  • Serving as Guardian of property.
  • Serving as Representative Payee handling receipt and oversight of Social Security benefits.
  • Serving as VA Fiduciary handling of Veteran benefits.

Legal

  • Preparation and filing of legal paperwork required for guardianship.
  • Attend court hearings.
  • Miscellaneous legal issues.
  • Selling real estate, motor vehicles, and other assets when required.
  • Probate matters, including administration of estates.

Public Guardian Referral and Intake Application

For more information about SRA’s Public Guardian Program, please click here or call 772.569.0760 ext. 133 or email info@sramail.org.

Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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