New Law Offers Alternative to Guardianship for Seniors and Those With Developmental Disabilities

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker signed a law on Thursday establishing another option for a person to be helped by others besides traditional guardianship, reports KTUU . The statute, sponsored by Rep. Charisse Millett (R), permits "Supported Decision-Making Agreements." Under the new law, a person with a disability or a senior can choose a "supporter" or team of supporters — perhaps children, parents, or friends — who would sign an agreement with the individual naming the help that was needed. "It could be part of anyone's natural support network," notes Anne Applegate, an attorney on the staff of the Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education. She says a team could agree to do something such as help a senior with computers, Wi-Fi, or a smartphone, or an agreement could concentrate on healthcare or legal advice. "It's innovative legislation that will end up saving the state money and will allow the freedom that seniors — and folks with intellectual and development disabilities — to gauge how much support they need," Millett says.