Family caregivers are those people who are responsible for a disabled or elderly family member.  Sometimes these people are also legal guardians or conservators.  Sometimes these caregivers have powers of attorney to act for the disabled or elderly family member.  However, often caregivers simply assume the responsibility out of love or family responsibility and do not have court documents.

GUARDIANSHIP is appropriate when:
 the person is incapacitated or incompetent
 the family caregiver is willing to make decisions about physical, medical, and financial needs for the person

A CONSERVATORSHIP is appropriate when:
 the person cannot make financial decisions responsibly
 the person can still make decisions about his physical and medical needs
 the family caregiver is willing to and capable of making decisions about the person’s finances

A POWER OF ATTORNEY is appropriate when:
 the person is competent, but wants someone else to be responsible for certain decisions, such as finances or medical decisions
 the family caregiver is willing to make these decisions

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Office of Public Advocacy
Dorcas Jackson, Family Guardian Coordinator
1-877-957-3500
 
Written and telephone assistance is available, but not legal advice.  This program also provides community information meetings.

Alaska Legal Services Corporation
1-800-789-6426 in Juneau or 1-800-478-5401 in Fairbanks
907-586-6425 in Juneau or 907-452-5181 in Fairbanks
 
ALSC provides community education materials and workshops on relevant topics, as well as representation and legal services for family caregivers.  This program is subject to certain income eligibility restrictions.

AARP
1-800-424-3410
www.aarp.org

AARP is a national organization that provides information and support to Americans over 55.  Information about topics such as money management, health care, Medicare, Social Security, and others is available.

Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov

Basic information about Social Security, including SSI benefits, is available.  Also helpful are the forms and instructions for reporting changes in status or eligibility.

Southeast Senior Services
463-6100 
A division of Catholic Social Services, this program’s mission is to promote the health, independence and quality of life of seniors.  Southeast Senior Services provides care coordination, hot meals, transportation, respite care, and other valuable services.