Legal Guardianship for the Elderly

Abstract

The Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lutheran Ministries of Florida serves as a guardian of last resort for adults who have been adjudicated incompetent by the court and for whom no other guardian is available. The need for such a ministry is especially great in Florida's Suncoast Area where a great many people are over age 75 and separated from family support systems. While Florida statutes make no provisions for public guardianship, Florida law does allow nonprofit corporations to be appointed guardian of person and/or property. Under this statute, Lutheran Ministries of Florida serves as the court appointed guardian for incompetent persons. It uses a teamwork approach involving professional staff and trained volunteers to assure that the needs of the ward are met.