View source for Public Guardian and Trustee Intervention in Home Care and Senior Housing

==Public Guardian and Trustee ==

The Public Guardian and Trustee of BC (PGT) has authority to intervene where a vulnerable adult is facing abuse, neglect, or self-neglect, particularly when they are unable to manage their financial affairs, or when someone else is managing their financial affairs inappropriately. This includes misuse of a Power of Attorney or Representation Agreement.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|1]])

When you report a potentially abusive situation to the PGT, their staff will gather information and determine if further investigation is required. They can offer initial support by:

* providing information about options available to help the adult;
* consulting on complex risk situations of abuse, neglect, or self-neglect; or
* starting an investigation, if needed.

The PGT will conduct an investigation if:

* there is a concern the adult may be incapable of managing their affairs;
* there is specific, urgent, or immediate need; and
* no other suitable person is willing or able to act on the adult’s behalf.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|2]])

The PGT can investigate whether an existing substitute decision-maker is fulfilling their legal duties, explore options to protect and manage the adult’s financial affairs, and assess whether the adult faces serious enough risk to require the appointment of a substitute decision-maker.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|3]])

The PGT has the power to request from a substitute decision-maker the detailed financial, health, and personal records of the adult. If the PGT finds a substitute decision-maker is mishandling funds, they have the power to freeze the accounts affected and stop the sale or transfer of property. The PGT can appoint a new substitute decision-maker, or if no one else is available, act as the substitute decision-maker.([[{{PAGENAME}}#References|4]])

Note: In BC there is a non-profit organization called the Bloom Group which will manage the finances of low-income individuals for a nominal fee.