The Alzheimer's Association Needs Your Story

Did you know that every state has its own rules for appointing guardians, and there is no way for courts in different states to communicate about adult guardianship issues? As a result, if you serve as a guardian for another adult, your guardianship rights end at the state line, even if you and the person you serve as a guardian for; decide to move it to another state.

With today's aging and mobile population, this lack of communication doesn't make much sense. This problem is especially difficult when the guardian is caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia. Legal challenges, attorney fees and confusion resulting from guardianship issues worsen the stress and frustration of caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter Netwok is working to enact the adult guardianship legislation in Iowa that would establish a channel through which Iowa courts could talk to courts in other states that have passed this same adult guardianship legislation. This legislation (SF 444 and HF 734) has been voted out of committee in the Iowa Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and is now awaiting further debate in both chambers.

We need your help to tell elected officials why this legislation is needed! We are collecting stories of Iowans who have encountered difficulties establishing or asserting adult guardianships due to the involvement of more than one state. To find out if your own adult guardianship story can help us make the case for this important law in Iowa, contact Kelly Hauer, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association East Central Iowa Chapter at 319-350-2144, or by email at Kelly.Hauer@alz.org. 

Thank you!