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DEPARTMENT AWARDS GUARDIANSHIP GRANT TO AGING AGENCY

MADISON—The Department of Health Services has awarded $100,000 to the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) to operate the Guardianship Support Center, a statewide resource for information about guardianship-related issues.

The Guardianship Support Center responds to questions about laws relating to guardianships, conservatorships, Powers of Attorney for Health Care and other legal instruments that authorize decision-makers for individuals to manage some aspect of their affairs. The Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources manages Older Americans Act resources, including legal assistance, for most of the counties and tribes in the state.

“The Guardianship Support Center is a valuable resource for the State of Wisconsin,” said Heather Bruemmer, Executive Director of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care. “GWAAR will provide excellent leadership and support to county and tribal aging offices and programs as well as long term care providers.”

The Guardianship Support Center was created by the legislature more than a decade ago, to answer the need for informed and independent advice about being a guardian. The Department of Health Services periodically conducts a competitive procurement to select a sponsor to provide this service. Most of the services are provided through a telephone helpline, but the center also conducts training and publishes a newsletter that is available to lawyers, guardians and family members.

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Last Revised:  September 24, 2012