In terms of guardianship, what is the role of an advocate for the ward?

The role of an advocate for the ward is fundamentally centered on supporting the decisions and preferences of the ward. This means that the advocate's primary responsibility is to ensure that the ward's wishes, values, and desires are taken into account in any decision-making process. By doing so, the advocate helps to uphold the ward's autonomy and dignity, allowing them to have a voice in their own life despite any limitations they may face.

Supporting the ward's preferences facilitates a more person-centered approach to guardianship, where the advocate seeks to understand the individual needs and wants of the ward. This approach helps to promote the ward's rights and encourages participation in their own care and decision-making to the fullest extent possible, respecting their individuality and unique circumstances.

The other choices misinterpret the advocate's role. Enforcing legal mandates focuses on compliance rather than individual preferences. Making independent decisions undermines the advocate's function as a supporter of the ward's wishes, and overseeing financial matters exclusively limits the advocate's involvement to a narrow scope, rather than embracing the totality of the ward's needs and preferences.