COVID-19 Resources for Guardians

With stay at home orders and LTC facilities prohibiting outside visitors, how do guardians discharge their duties?  The National Guardianship Association (NGA), along with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging, and the National Center for State Courts have compiled a list of useful resources for guardians, available here, along with a list of FAQs for guardians about serving in the time of COVID-19. The FAQ list is available here.   Here are the top points from this 11 page FAQ

Top Take-aways
• Access to My Clients or Loved One in Nursing Homes – While federal guidance restricts in person visits to residents in nursing homes, you have a responsibility to maintain contact and monitor well-being through remote access.
• Access to My Clients or Loved One in Residential Groups Settings and Hospitals -- State requirements may restrict in-person visits to residents in residential group settings, and federal guidance sets limits on visits to hospital patients, but you have a responsibility to maintain contact and monitor well-being through remote access.
• Access to Courts – Each state determines its own procedures during the pandemic. While many are placing a priority on keeping courts open for cases involving the protection of vulnerable individuals, hearings may be delayed or conducted remotely, and there may be changes in requirements for timelines, notices and the submission of reports.
• Protecting My Clients’ or Loved One’s Rights and Well-Being – The rights of your client or loved one have not changed, but the pandemic makes it more difficult to exercise certain rights. Take actions to ensure the person receives fair health care treatment, facilities follow safety protocols, and support the individual during this difficult time.