With our help Jane and Paul can focus on family
For most of Paul's life, his health, lifestyle, and financial decisions have been managed by someone else. In 2011 there was a significant change in Paul’s life and these decisions were once again his to make.
This transition was not easy for Paul so Jane, his sister applied for Guardianship of Paul to help navigate the changes.
‘Healthcare, lifestyle and medical decisions seemed straight-forward, but looking after his financial affairs became complex’, said Jane.
‘Having to manage both his lifestyle and financial decisions eventually took its toll, not just on me but my relationship with Paul.’
‘It was a relief to be able to reach out to NSW Trustee and Guardian to be Paul’s financial manager.’
If a person's decision-making ability is impaired due to disability, age, mental illness or injury, another person, private trustee company or NSW Trustee and Guardian may be appointed as a financial manager by a court or tribunal to make financial decisions on their behalf under a financial management order.
Paul was appointed a dedicated Client Service Officer, Melanie. Melanie worked with Jane and Paul to understand Paul’s needs and interests.
‘As financial manager, we work with our customers to make financial decisions on their behalf. The decisions we make are called ‘substitute decisions’. They have the same effect as if they had made the decision themself,’ said Melanie.
‘We always aim to promote our customers independence, increase their quality of life and maintain their relationships with friends, family and the community.’
‘Paul has a complicated relationship with money and can be very persistent. Melanie and her team have been amazing supporting Paul’, said Jane.
‘Depending on the type of decision, Melanie will contact me to confirm details so we can make the best decision for Paul.’
‘As Paul ages I appreciate being supported with purchasing things that will keep him comfortable and healthy for as long as we have him.’
‘With NSW Trustee and Guardian managing Paul’s finances, I can focus on being his loving sister.’
Definitions
- substitute decision
A decision made by an appointed financial manager or guardian on behalf of a person under a financial management or guardianship order. The legal effect of a substitute decision is the same as if the person had made the decision themselves.
- tribunal
A legal forum to make and review decisions and settle conflicts. Tribunals are like courts but are usually more specialised and less formal.
- financial management order
A legal decision made by a court or tribunal appointing a person or organisation to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of someone who is not able to make such decisions for themselves.