Province of Manitoba » Public Trustee » Vulnerable Adults » Case Management
Vulnerable Adults
Case Management
The administration of affairs for vulnerable people is similar to that for mentally incompetent adults. The Public Trustee can be appointed as substitute decision maker for property only, personal care only, or both property and personal care. Whatever the appointment, The Public Trustee considers the client's wishes, needs, values and beliefs, condition and prognosis, and the value and nature of assets and income.
Every client has an administration officer assigned to administer his or her affairs. This officer co-ordinates all aspects of case management. The Public Trustee also employs lawyers and financial specialists in a variety of areas such as investments and tax. They support the client administration officers in managing each client's case.
A guiding principle for officers is to act in the best interests of each client. Relatives of clients are encouraged to keep in touch with their administration officer to help the officer better understand the client's circumstances and needs.
The main areas of case management are:
Asset Management
To manage the assets of vulnerable adults, The Public Trustee must be appointed as substitute decision maker for property. If so, the following applies:
The Public Trustee administers all assets owned by a client including cash, investments, real property, household goods, vehicles, etc. The Public Trustee also identifies any sources of income to which a client is entitled, and applies for these benefits on his or her behalf. These may include income assistance or other government entitlements. The Public Trustee's role is to provide services and protect the interests of clients; it does not provide any funds to clients.
The effects of mental illness and developmental disabilities vary, so clients may be able to do some things but not others. As substitute decision maker, The Public Trustee tries to manage a client's assets to respect the client's independence and abilities. As long as a client's assets are secure, The Public Trustee will co-operate and minimize its role.
The Public Trustee's policy is to involve clients and their families in managing major assets and sentimental items. This is subject to a client's ability to understand, the interest and availability of next-of-kin, and business circumstances.
Click here for more information on Asset Management
Expense and Debt Management
To manage the expenses or debts of vulnerable adults, The Public Trustee must be appointed substitute decision maker for property. If so, the following applies:
To the extent of a client's ability to pay, his or her financial obligations are met by The Public Trustee from the client's funds. For clients living in the community, this means paying rent or mortgage, utilities, taxes, groceries, etc. For clients living in long-term care facilities, The Public Trustee ensures payment of the residential charges and provides additional money for their extra comforts, within their budgets.
If a client is missing funds because of past mismanagement or financial abuse, The Public Trustee investigates the circumstances and may start legal proceedings on the client's behalf to try and recover these funds.
Click here for more information on Expense and Debt Management
Personal Case Management
To manage a vulnerable adult's personal affairs, The Public Trustee must be appointed as substitute decision maker for personal care. If so, the following applies:
The Public Trustee will manage the personal care of clients. In some cases this involves deciding where and with whom a client will live, and providing informed consent for medical treatment. As with financial decisions, each client's case is managed individually and decisions are made based on his or her best interests.
Click here for more information on Personal Case Management
Investment Management
To manage a vulnerable adult's investments, The Public Trustee must be appointed as substitute decision maker for property. If so, the following applies:
The Office of The Public Trustee employs staff specially trained in accounting and investments. They work closely with client administration officers to ensure the best possible decisions are made to preserve clients' assets and to maximize the benefits of their assets.
Click here for more information on Investment Management
Tax Management
To manage a vulnerable adult's taxes, The Public Trustee must be appointed as substitute decision maker for property. If so, the following applies:
Clients' tax returns are filed every year by accounting staff in The Public Trustee's office. Credits are placed in clients' accounts.
If a client, or his or her previous substitute decision maker, has neglected to file a return for previous years, The Public Trustee's staff will do it. The information on properly filed income tax returns is used in some cases to set the amounts of certain benefits to which clients are entitled and the rates of residential charges in long-term care facilities.
Click here for more information on Tax Management
|
