Service for Older Adults

Since it was founded in 1982 in the Tampa Bay area, Lutheran Services Florida's (LSF) Guardianship Program has continually expanded in response to the increasing need for guardianship services throughout the state. Currently, the Program serves incapacitated individuals in Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, Okaloosa, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties.

A guardian is a "Person who has been appointed by the Court to act on behalf of an individual's person, property, or both." The Court may appoint a guardian due to physical injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease, or other age-related dementia.

Because LSF is a non-profit organization, it is often the guardian of choice when the welfare of an individual without financial means is at stake.

Nearly 70% of the clients cared for by LSF are indigent. Without LSF, they would have no one to turn to for protection.

LSF is able to assist such a large number of indigents because of generous contributions from businesses, individual donors, and funding from the United Way and local City and County governments.

When LSF is appointed guardian, certified, trained, and professional staff immediately conduct on-site visits to assess the situation and determine what steps must be taken to ensure that clients reside in clean, healthy, and safe environments, receive nutritious, daily meals and appropriate medical care. Case Managers also organize clients' financial affairs, including paying bills, monitoring insurance issues, applying for benefits, and managing income and assets.

LSF Guardianship Services Include:

• Assessment

• 24 Hour On-Call Availability

• Ensuring Clients' Safe Living Conditions

• Providing Support Services

• Coordinating and Monitoring Medical and Mental Health Services

• Management of Clients' Income, Assets, Benefits and Financial Affairs

• Protection, Supervision, and Advocacy of Clients' Rights

Become a Guardian Angel for this program by clicking the link at right.