People’s Arc hosts annual Guardianship Party for adults with intellectual, developmental disabilities
People’s Arc of Suffolk hosted its annual Guardianship Party on Saturday, October 10 at its Bohemia headquarters, bringing together adults for whom the organization serves as legal guardian for an afternoon of food, dancing, activities and a photo booth.
Approximately 50 people, including 17 intellectually and developmentally disabled adults for whom People’s Arc serves as primary guardian year-round, gathered for the event, which also celebrated the people who ensure members of the program are cared for throughout the year.
“We are one of the few organizations on Long Island that provides these essential services to people who may sometimes be unable to legally make complex medical, financial or other major life decisions,” said guardianship director Wendy Tigchelaar. “When no family member is available to assume that responsibility, guardianship can provide an essential safeguard and ensure that decisions are made in the individual’s best interest.”
For more than 20 years, People’s Arc of Suffolk has operated a guardianship program that currently serves as primary guardian for 17 adults, ranging in age from their 50s to 85, and as backup guardian for about 15 others.
As guardian, People’s Arc may oversee financial matters, consent to medical procedures, help make major life decisions and, when necessary, address end-of-life decisions. Many of those served through the program also live in People’s Arc group homes.
