Adult Guardianship of Person

Jewish Family Service provides comprehensive Guardianship of Person Services to those individuals who have been determined by the court to be incapacitated and no longer able to make their own life decisions. Our duties as Guardian of Person include making daily decisions about the individual’s personal affairs, maximizing his/her right to self determination, and enables assertion of the rights and interests of the individual and respect for the wishes and preferences of the individual to the greatest extent possible.

Referrals may be made by individuals within the community, hospitals, long-term living facilities, physicians, attorneys, the court and social service agencies.

The Guardianship Service is a fee for service program. All guardianship fees are reported to and approved by the court.

Older Adult Services / Case Management

The purpose of the Older Adult Programs at Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania is to promote and preserve the dignity, self-respect and independence of the individual to the fullest extent possible. The Older Adult Program assists individuals and their families in making choices that foster maximum independence in daily living.

Licensed Social Workers, Caseworkers, and experienced, compassionate volunteers work together to coordinate services for eligible individuals. Consultations are by appointment. Evening hours and home visits are available.

The guardian makes an extensive assessment and encourages the participation of the individual, where applicable, in the development of a plan of supportive services to meet the person’s needs and:

• Encourages the individual to participate to maximum extent of his/her abilities in all decisions, to act on his/her behalf when he/she is able to do so and to develop or regain his/her capacity to manage his/her personal affairs to the maximum extent feasible
• Provides required documentation to the court in a timely fashion
• In-person contact with the individual occurs once a month and more frequently as needed
• Guardianship services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

The Coordinator of the Older Adult Services, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is certified as a National Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification. Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, Inc.

Referrals may be made by individuals within the community, hospitals, long-term living facilities, physicians, attorneys, the court and social service agencies.

The Guardianship Service is a fee for service program. All guardianship fees are reported to and approved by the court.

If you have concerns about a loved one or are questioning how to make a referral, please contact our office to discuss the appropriate services available, or email info@jfsnepa.org. Our professional staff will ensure that the dignity, self respect and independence of the individual are promoted and preserved to the fullest extent while protecting him/her from mistreatment and neglect.

“This project is funded, in part, under a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners through the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging.”

Services provided through the Older Adult Program include:

1. Assessments and Personalized Care Plans
2. Counseling Services
3. Home Visits and Telephone Contacts
4. Educational and Support Groups
5. Consultations with Families
6. Referral for Kosher Meals on Wheels
7. Referral for In Home Services
8. Coordination of Supportive Services
9. Information and Referrals to Available Community Resources
10. Emergency Financial Aid

The Assessment

A JFS Older Adult Professional makes a home visit to evaluate the individual’s living situation and needs. After consultation with the individual and/or family, a personalized care plan is developed to best meet the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of the individual.

Confidentiality

All communications with Jewish Family Service are confidential and will not be disclosed without your consent.

Fee

Fees for service will be charged according to a set fee or a sliding scale based on family size and income. No one will be denied service because of an inability to pay a fee. Some services may be covered by your health insurance or Medicare.