1. Guardian
Care Manager

2. Guardian
Decision making authority becomes effective upon appointment by the Court
only after determination of incapacity
effective when Clerk of Court issues Letters of Guardianship
In New Mexico do not handle finances
Certification (not required in NM)

3. Guardians & Care Managers serve:
Adults having:
Intellectual Impairment
Mental Health Issues
Physical Illness or Disability
Chronic use of drugs/chronic intoxication
Cognitively Impaired
Dementia
Parkinson’s disease
Traumatic Brain Injury

4. Types of Guardians Family (Kinship) State (Office of Guardianship)
Corporate (Private)
Treatment
Temporary
Plenary

5. Guardian Medical/psychiatric treatment decision maker
Liaison with medical professionals
Health care advocacy
Selecting home care and living arrangements
Honor the wishes of individuals served

6. Guardians & Care Managers assist
In navigating the health care system
In making the home safe so you can maintain independence
By providing access to community services
Coordinating post-hospitalization care
In-home assessments

7. Care Managers & Guardians assist
Referrals to appropriate services
Help avoid unnecessary nursing home placement
Pet arrangements if the person is hospitalized or in an assisted living
Increase and maintain quality of life

8. Types of Care Managers Hospital Case/Care Managers
Home Care Agency Care Managers
Private/corporate Care Managers

9. Care Manager Consultation/recommendations to the decision maker
(Person being assisted/POA/Guardian)
Certification (not required in NM)

10. Differences between a Guardian and Care Manager
Guardian – final decision making authority and has been court appointed
Care Manager – makes recommendations but does not have legal authority to make medical/psychiatric/residential decisions (can be but is not usually court ordered)

11. Certifications Available
National Certification for Guardians
Center for Guardianship Certification
National Certification for Care Managers
National Academy of Certified Care Managers
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers
(others for nursing case managers)

12. Recommendations
Create a Living Will containing Advanced Directives appointing Health Care and Financial Powers of Attorney

13. Resources NM Office of Guardianship
Aging and Long Term Services Resource Center
Alzheimer’s Association
NMGA
NGA
NACCM
NAPGCM