Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 02, 2014
It usually starts with an unfortunate occurrence. Maybe someone can no longer make decisions about their medical treatment, living conditions or financial issues. Generally, there isn't a family member to help out, so a guardianship is created. “A guardian is appointed to make decisions once a court has determined that a person is incapacitated” said Shelia Weiner, Executive Director of Intervention Associates. Weiner says incapacitated individuals can include people of all ages, those with intellectual disabilities, mental illness, those who are aging, as well as the person who is unable to meet his/her physical needs.
The court process for guardianship includes several steps. First, there is an evaluation of the person in question and identification of the guardian. Then a petition is filed for a hearing. After the hearing, a final determination is made. Intervention Associates Attorney Nego Pile says it’s important to plan early for those who may need future help to avoid the court process. “When you plan early, people of sound mind have the opportunity to put down on paper someone who can act on their behalf. You can write your wishes down on paper through a power of attorney, a trust or a will.” Pile says pre-planning is less expensive and it gives the person the opportunity to choose for themselves someone they want to make their decisions rather than have the court decide. For more information on guardianship care, see our website at http://www.interventionassociates.org
Intervention Associates is one of the oldest and most trusted care management organizations serving the greater Philadelphia area. Intervention Associates is part of the Friends Life Care System, a secular organization dedicated to the Quaker values of integrity, inclusion, compassion and respect for human dignity. In the Quaker tradition, we focus on ability versus disability and recognize that prolonging independence is crucial to a person’s quality of life. As a nonprofit organization, our number one priority is the welfare of the individuals and families we serve. Visit us at http://www.interventionassociates.org
