Guardianship Services provides legal guardianship protections for those who lack the mental capacity to make decisions (due to age, illness or disability) and are at risk of abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation.

Family Eldercare is appointed by the Probate Court to be legal guardian for elders and people with disabilities who have no appropriate family or friends to act in that capacity. Professional care managers, who are certified as Registered Guardians with the National Guardianship Foundation, serve as guardian agents for hundreds of clients each year. Care managers train and support volunteer guardian advocates, who are matched one on one with clients to help assure their needs are being met.

The program is strengthened by the support of the Probate and Estate Committee of the Travis County Bar Association and Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas. An Ethics Committee comprised of community leaders, attorneys, nurses and physicians is available to address ethical issues.

Hundreds of people in Travis County have been served through Family Eldercare's Guardianship Program since it was established in 1986.

Family Eldercare provides guardianship without a fee for low-income elders and people with disabilities who qualify. Guardianship is also provided on a fee for service basis. These may be guardianship of person, guardianship of estate, or both. Fees are set by state law and are subject to the court's approval. All referrals are carefully screened for appropriateness of the service and least restrictive alternatives to guardianship. Referrals must be submitted with appropriate medical evidence.

Guardian of Person
Family Eldercare is court-appointed to exercise the client's rights and make decisions concerning the client's care and safety. The agency reports directly to the Probate Court about the client.

Guardian of Estate
Family Eldercare is appointed by the Probate Court to make decisions about the estate of the client. This includes managing the client's assets and paying bills from the client's account with court approval.

Family Eldercare has an ongoing need for volunteers to serve as guardian advocates for elders and people with disabilities. Excellent training is provided. Discover how you can make a difference in only a few hours a month.