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Intellectual Disabilities
 
 
The Probate Courts become involved in the lives of adults with intellectual disability when they are unable to care for their physical health or safety or make decisions about such care. In such cases, the courts appoint a guardian to supervise all or some aspects of the person’s care.
 
The court appoints a plenary guardian for someone who requires full supervision of matters involving health and safety. The court appoints a limited guardian for someone who can do some, but not all, of the tasks needed to maintain health and safety.
 
The guardian decides what programs and services the person needs. The court may give the guardian the authority to move the person to another residence; enroll him or her in educational, vocational or behavioral programs; release his or her medical records; and seek medical and dental care for the person.   
 
The court may appoint adults, authorized state officials and private, nonprofit corporations as guardians, but it may not appoint hospitals and nursing homes.