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Introducing Gohdes Guardianship and Advocacy
Hello!
I am Karen Gohdes, owner of Gohdes Guardianship and Advocacy, an independent professional practice.
Gohdes Guardianship and Advocacy provides decision surrogacy, protective arrangements, supportive oversight, and advocacy on behalf of adults who are not able to manage their own affairs due to a medical condition or disability.
A brain injury, the progression of Alzheimer's disease, a developmental disability, severe mental illness, AIDS-related dementia or some other condition can make it impossible to make informed decisions and tend to one's needs appropriately. In such a case, someone else must make decisions for that individual and see that his or her needs are met. In many cases, the "someone else" is a family member.
When a family member can serve as substitute decision-maker and/or arrange care, it is usually that is best for all concerned. However, that is not always possible, nor is it right for every family. For people living in Hennepin County in Minnesota, I am one of the trained and certified professionals available when the circumstances call for a knowledgable advocate outside the family.
Contact me at 612-232-6619 or at karen@gohdesguardianship.com
I am happy to answer any questions about surrogate decision-making in general and my services in particular.
Services
- advance health care directive (health care agent)
- durable power of attorney (attorney in fact)
- personal and health care management
- management of household and financial matters
- executor of estate (personal representative)
- guardian of the person
- conservator of the estate
- trust administration (trustee)
- family decision-making support
My Background and Qualifications
I have professional experience in education and human services, including evaluating the quality of residential programs (group homes) and working with cognitively disabled persons in a variety of settings. I have served as my brother's court-appointed guardian for nearly twenty years.
I have been certified as a Registered Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification, and I am a member of the National Guardianship Association and the Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship. Each of these organizations requires me to adhere to rigorous standards of ethics and professional practice.