Legal Guardianship

Obtaining legal guardianship over a loved one provides a family member or caregiver the ability to make decisions about that loved one's healthcare, treatment and welfare.

Guardianship should be sought when a person is incapable of evaluating information and making decisions to the extent that they "lack the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care". Anosognosia often causes a person to meet these criteria and obtaining guardianship may help caregivers seek treatment when necessary.