Federated Guardians, Beaver, Pa., was founded in 2020 to provide professional, compassionate guardians for vulnerable populations. They take on complex guardianship cases, giving dignity and comfort to those who are unable to function independently, due to physical or mental issues, and don’t have friends or family to support them.
“We work with county services to locate people who lack a support system. We believe no one should live or die, untouched or unseen,” said Elizabeth Moore, Director of Guardianship for Federated Guardians.
Valley Care awarded Federated Guardians a three-year grant, from 2022 to 2025.
“Partnering with Valley Care allows us to maintain our certifications and expand to serve 10 more clients in Ambridge and Aliquippa. It lets us do more pro-bono work, or offer a little bit extra,” she said. “Our goal is to provide the highest possible level of comfort and care beyond meeting basic needs.”
Health and Legal Aid for a Better Life
Federated Guardians helps elderly individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, or in the community who have no one to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. This often happens when friends and family are unwilling or unable to take responsibility.
Federated Guardians’ professional team represents their clients’ best interests. They work with the courts, social services, medical caregivers, and family members to give clients the health and legal aid they need to have a better life, or a better end to life.
“We get referrals from hospitals, assisted living facilities, and attorneys,” said Moore. “When a guardian is assigned to an individual, we manage their legal and financial issues, while recognizing their dignity.”
Valley Care Foundation’s support allowed Federated Guardians to help individuals residing in the community and receiving long-term psychiatric care.
“We set them up after discharge with employment, housing, and appropriate aftercare,” Moore said.
Experienced Professionals
The 4 full-time and 5 part-time employees serve about 150 clients a year in Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Greene counties. They are licensed nurses, social workers, and PhDs with formal health care ethics training. The company receives funding from Medical Assistance programs and Adult Protective Services.
The Federated Guardians team members are recognized for their ability to manage the most challenging and complicated ethical and medical cases that require in-depth expertise and advanced skills.
“We never coerce anyone into a decision. Guardianship is not a jail,” Moore explained. “We are one of the only contracted Adult Protective Services providers in the greater Pittsburgh region.”
Federated Guardians works through the Jewish Healthcare Foundation’s Coalition for Quality End of Life Care. They partner with the Duquesne Law Clinic to find individuals in nursing homes who would benefit by having a volunteer serve as a surrogate decision-maker.
