Typical Situations

Below are some sample types of situations brought to APSI.

Preparing for guardianship if parent dies
A county board of developmental disabilities refers "John" to APSI. John has moderate developmental disabilities, goes to a workshop daily, and lives with his widow mom. His mom has a terminal illness and worries about what will happen to John when she's gone. She wants him to have help in making decisions because he can't make decisions on his own.

There are no family members who can become John's guardian. APSI meets with John and his mother, receives information from the service and support administrator and applies for guardianship through the county probate court. His mom is relieved that someone will look out for John's best interests when she can do it no longer.

Unable to manage health condition
"Bruce," 52, has mild developmental disabilities and depression. He lives in an apartment with a few hours of support daily from a supported living/IO waiver provider. He has a part-time community job and can make basic decisions about his life.

He's been independent, but now he has health-related problems (he needs insulin shots for diabetes, and he has high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attack). Both of his parents died from heart-related conditions. APSI becomes Bruce's limited medical guardian, due to Bruce's inability to understand and manage his medical condition. His APSI representative works with him and his team to ensure that his medical needs are met. Bruce continues to live in the community with assistance.

Cannot give informed consent
"Susan," 78, lives in a group home and retired from her county board day program. APSI becomes her guardian after she falls on ice and breaks her hip. The hospital says she needs surgery, but she cannot understand risks and benefits of the procedure and therefore cannot give informed consent. The surgeon and the hospital approach the county board and APSI about this issue.

The probate court appoints APSI as Susan's emergency guardian. APSI then immediately reviews benefits and risks of the surgery and gives consent. Susan recovers, returns to her group home, and APSI continues to be her guardian and to monitor her care.

Must leave foster home
"Lisa," 21, has APSI as her guardian. She's been in custody of children's services since she was 12. She has mild developmental disabilities and significant behavioral issues. She's had several unsuccessful foster home and residential placements. She graduated from school recently and attends a county board workshop. Children's services funding for her current foster home is ending because Lisa is now an adult.

APSI helps her obtain workshop services and an IO waiver. She lives with two other women, and they all will be on the IO with 24-hour supports. Lisa has a behavior support plan that helps control her when she's upset. She continues to need assistance with decision making. If she were on her own, she would not be safe, and she would make decisions that would put her at risk for abuse and neglect.

Unable to manage money
"Dottie" is referred to APSI due to exploitation and because she can't manage her money. At one time she lived in a tent in back of her boyfriend's grandmother's house. In the winter she had frostbite, and she was beaten by people trying to rob her.

Then she started living in hotels where she used most of her monthly Social Security Disability Income check for rent. After many years of moving from place to place, APSI helps her move to subsidized housing. APSI now helps her manage her money by developing a budget. Dottie receives service and support from the county board. She makes biweekly trips to the grocery store and has help cleaning her apartment and doing her laundry. With APSI's help, she has saved enough money to eat out occasionally and to buy clothing.

Needs help making decisions
APSI serves as a protector for "John," who has a dual-diagnosis of developmental disabilities and mental illness. APSI and John sign a voluntary protectorship agreement that says how they will work together. APSI attends meetings with John, acts as his advocate and helps him assert his rights. APSI assures that people explain issues and consequences to John. John's life changes significantly. He was incarcerated but now lives in his community. He has a job at a workshop. His medications are closely monitored and adjusted when needed. John has chosen a new provider and participates in community life. He also knows that he can call his APSI representative when he's confused or has questions.