| FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What special attention does the PPI staff give to the wards?
A. PPI staff acknowledges birthdays and Christmas, visits the individuals regularly throughout the year, attends planning meetings, advocates for their happiness and best interest, and visits the wards if they are in the hospital.
Q. Will Permanent Planning, Inc. become guardian for the individual while the family is still living?
A. Yes, if the judge determines that the individual needs a guardian and Permanent Planning, Inc. has the staff hours available to serve an individual, PPI will become guardian, even if family is still alive. Decisions for the individual’s life will always be made based on the best interest of the individual.
Q. What is the difference between being an enrollee and a ward of Permanent Planning, Inc.?
A. Ward is the legal term for the individual who has a guardian. The term enrollee is the word PPI uses to describe a person who has paid the $1500.00 fee to be enrolled in our program, but for whom we are not yet guardian. A family member may enroll an individual in our program for peace of mind, knowing that when they are gone, someone is available to provide support to their family member and step in as guardian, if appropriate.
Q. In addition to the $1500.00 PPI enrollment fee, will there be additional legal fees in setting up a guardianship?
A. Yes, the legal fees for setting up the guardianship are an additional expense. However, if an individual is low income and has legal settlement in Black Hawk County, the Black Hawk Conservator’s office may be able to help, using the Black Hawk County Attorney’s office. If you think the individual may qualify, you may call 319-291-2624 for further assistance.
Q. What if I cannot pay the $1500.00 enrollment fee?
A. Enrollment fees can be paid on a monthly basis for up to 5 years, which would equal only $25.00 per month.
Q. If I enroll my family member with Permanent Planning, Inc. and I want PPI to become guardian upon my death, is there legal work I need to complete to be sure my wishes are known?
A. It is important to state in your will your intentions for PPI to become guardian of your family member. It would be wise to keep the PPI enrollment contract with your will.
Q. If a person is under guardianship, does the guardian (PPI) manage the money of the individual?
A. No, a conservator must be appointed to manage financial affairs, or a representative payee may be appointed by Social Security to manage an individual’s Social Security income.
Q. What is the difference between a guardian and conservator?
A. In the state of Iowa, a guardian is appointed to make decisions about the ward’s needs or affairs such as medical treatment, where the ward lives, and arrangements for services such as meals, personal care, training and education, to name just a few. A conservator is appointed to manage the individual’s money. Whether a person is a guardian or conservator of an individual, they are required to make annual reports to the Court.
Q. Does a guardian have total freedom to make all decisions about the ward’s life?
A. No, a guardian is required to get a Court order before giving consent for the following items:
- Moving an individual to a higher level of care.
- Arranging for the provision of major, elective surgery or any non-emergency major medical procedure.
- Consenting to the withholding or withdrawing of life sustaining procedures.
***Most importantly, a guardian must always act in the best interest of the individual.
Q. If the ward needs to move out of Black Hawk County, will Permanent Planning, Inc. continue to serve as guardian?
A. Yes, Permanent Planning, Inc. will remain guardian, even if the ward needs to move out of Black Hawk County to receive appropriate services.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact PPI staff.
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