“Advocating for the needs of others”
Historically, assistance for managing finances and guardianship were
provided by an attorney with a fee for service. West Michigan Guardianship (WMG) provides fiscal management for those individuals
unable to manage personal income, investments and real estate. WMG also has the authority to receive and disburse Social Security
and/or Veteran's Administration funds on behalf of these same individuals. WMG is the only non-profit program that provides
these services in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.
Statistics from the Berrien County Health Department
reveal 14.8 % of the population in the county is 65 years of age and over. Approximately 25% of 500 Guardianship clients are
living below the line of poverty. Additionally, 16.2% of individuals are classified as disabled. WMG addresses the basic needs
for these at-risk populations by prioritizing expenditures placing shelter, food, clothing and medical expenses at the top
of the list of priorities.
WMG provides court-appointed guardianship for individuals that are intellectually disabled,
mentally ill, or incapacitated from dementia or Alzheimer's. For those who are unable to give informed consent in order
to receive medical care, WMG works through the guardianship process. Guardianship has seen an increased need because there
are smaller families as evidenced by figures obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Berrien County averages 2.49 persons per
household. This means there is little support system within the family structure for this decision making.
WMG provides
service under the standards of practice set forth by the National Guardianship Association. Our program follows the Model
Code of Ethics, which provides a framework for making decisions on behalf of those individuals with plenary and limited Guardianship.
This addresses the philosophy of finding the least restrictive environment for an individual and allowing for a self-determination
approach to assistance. Home visits are made by the WMG case managers quarterly. This serves to assess and evaluate the client's
needs in a timely manner.
WMG collaborates with local government agencies by accepting referrals for clients and
assisting with financial management. Agencies supplying services for the aging population work closely with WMG to provide
financial budgeting for those that have potential for financial exploitation. Collaborating with adult protective services
and county law enforcement, those populations at risk for abuse can be identified and assisted. WMG also works closely with
extended care facilities and adult foster care residences to ensure the health and safety of their clients are maintained.
Confident of receiving monthly payments in a timely manner, local property owners are more accommodating in providing housing
for clients when they are working with WMG. In collaboration with Berrien County law enforcement, WMG assists clients with
the fiscal responsibility for paying court fines and fees. Additional collaboration occurs with local community mental health
agencies and regional medical centers to ensure their clients receive appropriate and holistic care.
To find out more about West Michigan Guardianship, contact
the WMG Supervisor.
