 TITLE: What Is a Conservatorship? CONTENT: Alternatives to Conservatorship\n-------------------------------\nA conservatorship isn't the only route available for protecting someone who needs help handling their finances and other personal affairs. Alternatives to conservatorship may include:\n*   **Power of attorney**: A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you designate someone to handle your finances or health care if you're unable to do so. Unlike a conservatorship, power of attorney must be assigned before someone becomes incapacitated.\n*   **Trust**: A living trust is a legal arrangement that allows somebody you name as a trustee to control your assets, including bank accounts.\n*   **Advance care directive**: This legal document lets you select the kind of health care you want if you become seriously ill and choose who will make these decisions on your behalf.\n*   **Daily money management program**: A number of social service agencies offer programs to assist people with basic financial tasks such as depositing money into bank accounts and paying bills.\n*   **Joint bank account**: You can open a joint bank account with a trusted person who can deposit or withdraw money, or can write checks for you if you're unable to easily handle financial matters.\nFor more information about conservatorships, check out the websites of the National Association to Stop Guardianship Abuse, American Disability Association and Alzheimer's Association. END