Lutheran Services Florida Sarasota Guardianship helps protect vulnerable adults in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties from abuse, neglect and exploitation.Guardians are appointed by the courts to act on behalf of those who cannot handle their own affairs due to physical injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease or other age-related dementia. A guardian may be appointed to act on behalf of an individuals person, property or both.When LSF is named guardian, a professional staff team immediately conducts on-site visits to assess the situation and secure client assets. Case Managers conduct an assessment and financial staffers begin to marshal and secure client assets. Team members generate a plan of care, considering the clients standard of living and lifestyle to ensure individuals reside in safe, clean, healthy environments with appropriate care and services. Staffers organize finances and LSF begins to pay clients bills, monitor insurance issues, apply for benefits, and manage income and assets.The duties for guardianship of the person and/or property can be managed by LSFs professional staff without the need for a guardian through a combination of services. Services are tailored to the individuals needs and can include: Case Management (coordinate and monitor care needs) Serving as Power of Attorney Representative Payee (manage Social Security benefits) Trustee Authority Representative for Estates Health Care Proxy Assistance in Applying for MedicaidWhen you, your loved one or client needs Guardianship or Case Management Services, LSF is your best choice. Here's why. Availability LSF has 14 local available to meet clients immediate needs Staff is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Stability LSF has provided Guardianship Services since 1982, with over 1,300 clients served in Sarasota alone. Financial Expertise LSF is audited annually by an independent CPA Auditing firm. Centralized Accounting allows for increased audit controls for bill payment and finance management. Professional Expertise LSF staff includes accountants, social workers, Certified Master Guardians, and developmental service workers.For information, contact Anne Ridings at 941-358-6330 or aridings@lsfnet.org