Alternatives to conservatorship: the role of daily money management services

This study tested the hypothesis that daily money management services divert vulnerable elders from conservatorship. Community-residing elders referred to protective service were randomly assigned to a money management service (n = 40) or to customary screening by the Office of the Public Guardian or Adult Protective Services (n = 23). Results indicated no significant difference in rates of conservatorship between those who were offered the money management service and those who were not. Appointment to conservatorship for both groups was associated with cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptom severity.