You must notify the court if you plan to move the IP to a new address. If the new residence is in a different county, the guardianship may need to be transferred to a new court. You must also notify the court in advance if you plan to move the IP out of Pennsylvania. You will need to apply for guardianship in the state to which they move as well. Each state has its own laws and rules regarding guardianship, and it is your duty to ensure you complete all necessary steps to transfer guardianship, which include obtaining approval of the transfer from the Pennsylvania court as well as obtaining acceptance of the guardianship from the court in the new state. xxxxiii

Check the court order to determine what your responsibilities are in these areas. You must help the IP develop their own skills and self-reliance where possible, consider their beliefs and wishes prior to incapacity and any input they can provide currently, and make decisions in their best interest. It is important to recognize that the IP’s needs will likely change over time and their care and services will need to be adjusted accordingly.

If mental or behavioral health concerns are shared with you by residential staff or service providers, ask them to clearly describe the behavior and interventions they have already tried. When considering possible interventions, you need to preserve the rights and freedoms of the IP to the extent possible while also protecting them from harm. Ensure that staff or service providers are informed of any new interventions and implement them consistently. Monitor outcomes to determine if the intervention is effective.

Occasionally, the use of physical restraints may be necessary. If this intervention is suggested, be aware that a doctor’s order is required prior to use, they should only be used as a last resort for certain medical or behavior problems, an individualized care plan should be in place prior to the use of restraints, the IP should be monitored frequently while restrained, and restraints should be removed as soon as it is safe to do so. xxxiv

People with mental illness, brain injury, and other conditions may behave unpredictably. Occasionally, an IP's behavior may put themselves or others at risk. If this is a concern with the IP, it is important that their treatment plan include responses to risky or dangerous behavior. While medical professionals may determine appropriate treatment, it is important that you understand the treatment plan and communicate it to service providers and others who see the IP regularly.

In potentially life-threatening behavior or mental health situations, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. This will connect you with a counselor who can provide phone-based