Though you are responsible for the IP's well-being, you are not alone in providing for them. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to be connected with a variety of community resources. If you are unsure of how to find your local AAA, visit https://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx to search by county.
Some services that may be available in your community to help with the IP's care include:
Meals-on-Wheels
Transportation
Senior centers and/or senior day programs
Legal assistance
Health insurance counseling and enrollment assistance
House cleaning and yard maintenance services
In-home nursing care
Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE)
Pennsylvania Community Health Choices Program (CHC)
The role of guardian can be challenging, especially when the IP is a loved one or someone with whom you already have a personal relationship. As a guardian to a loved one, at times you must switch between the role of guardian and family member or friend to make hard decisions and protect the IP's well-being. There is potential for a significant emotional burden to be placed on the guardian and their family. If you need support, there are many resources available to you, including organizations providing support specific to the IP's condition, faith-based supports, mental and behavioral health practitioners, and community support groups. Additionally, the following resources may be helpful as you navigate life as a guardian:
Family/Lay Guardianship Training (FLGT) hosted by the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts – These live, virtual trainings are offered regularly and include topics such as guardianship basics, best practices, guardian roles and responsibilities, and informed decision-making. Registration for this free training is required and can be completed at https://pacourts.webex.com/mw3300/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=pacourts&service=7.
GTS Essentials Video Trainings are available to watch at your convenience. These short videos can help you navigate GTS and complete specific tasks including completing and submitting reports, payments, and amended reports. All of these videos can be found on the UJS Web Portal at
https://help.pacourts.us/UJSWebPortal/#t=GTS for Guardians%2FMedia%2FVideo Tutorial
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