A comparative study: guardianship petitions for adults and elder adults

The appointment of a guardian is the result of a court proceeding that transfers to another an individual's authority to make personal decisions. Gerontological nurses may be asked to assist clients and families in the resolution of problems concerning personal and health care treatment decisions. This study showed that adults younger than 65 years old needed a guardian due to mental retardation, mental illness, or accidental injury. Adults over 65 years old needed a guardian because they had mental retardation, alcoholism, dementia, or other physical disabilities. Immediate family members were most often the individuals to serve as guardians.