Ward Assessment & Needs Planning Flashcards

When a guardian is first appointed, what is the primary purpose of conducting an initial assessment of the ward?

Answer: To establish a baseline understanding of the ward's functional abilities, preferences, and needs

An initial assessment establishes a baseline of the ward's current functional abilities, personal preferences, and needs to guide the guardian's decision-making and care planning.

Which of the following best describes a 'person-centered plan' in the context of guardianship?

Answer: A care and service plan built around the ward's individual goals, strengths, and preferences

A person-centered plan focuses on the individual ward's own goals, strengths, and preferences rather than imposing a generic care model.

A guardian is assessing a ward's capacity to make decisions. Which assessment approach is most consistent with the least restrictive alternative principle?

Answer: Evaluate each functional domain separately to identify areas where the ward retains decision-making ability

Evaluating each functional domain separately respects the ward's retained abilities and supports the least restrictive alternative by limiting guardian intervention to only those areas where capacity is absent.

Which professional is most commonly involved in assessing a ward's activities of daily living (ADLs) for care planning purposes?

Answer: An occupational therapist

Occupational therapists are trained to evaluate a person's ability to perform activities of daily living and recommend adaptive strategies or services.

Under the Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act (UGCOPAA), a guardian must develop an initial guardianship plan within how many days of appointment?

Answer: 90 days

UGCOPAA requires a guardian to file an initial guardianship plan within 90 days of appointment, outlining the ward's current status and proposed care arrangements.

When assessing a ward's living arrangement, which factor is most important for a guardian to consider?

Answer: Whether the arrangement aligns with the ward's expressed preferences and promotes quality of life

While cost is relevant, the primary consideration must be whether the living arrangement reflects the ward's own wishes and supports their well-being and quality of life.

A guardian notices the ward's care needs have significantly changed since the last court report. What is the appropriate next step?

Answer: Reassess the ward's needs and update the care plan, notifying the court if the changes are substantial

Guardians must reassess and update care plans when needs change materially, and substantial changes may require notifying or seeking court approval.