When an adult is not able to take care of themselves because of a disability or brain injury, the courts can appoint a guardian. A commission is reviewing the state’s adult guardianship system and will be taking public comments Friday.
The commission has been studying how the state handles guardianship issues since the New Mexico Supreme Court ordered a review of the system earlier this year.
Patricia Galindo is serving as vice chair of the adult guardianship commission. "In New Mexico, as our population is aging, and there are more baby boomers that are becoming seniors or can happen to suffer from dementia, there is more concern that these cases are dealt with properly," she said.
The commission has been looking into whether judges have been following the law, whether people who need guardians are getting the help they need, and how the system can be improved going forward.
The meeting is the last chance for the public to weigh in before the commission gives its initial recommendations to the state Supreme Court.
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KUNM's Public Health New Mexico project is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the McCune Charitable Foundation. Find more online at www.publichealthnm.org.
