The Iowa Department on Aging recently announced the launch of the Iowa Guardianship Establishment Program, which will award one-time grants to assist low-income Iowans with a documented medical condition establish substitute decision-making services to protect their personal health, safety, assets and dignity.

Under the program, which is administered by the Office of Substitute Decision Maker, eligible individuals may qualify to receive a one-time grant of up to $1,000 to pay the legal fees associated with establishing a guardianship or conservatorship in the state of Iowa. To address this need, the Iowa Department on Aging has allocated $35,000 in state dollars for the IAGE Program in State Fiscal Year 2017. Marion County Senior Nutrition Director Dawn Allspach-Kline tells KNIA/KRLS News this funding is beneficial for older adults or family members who may have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or any other documented Medical condition. There are end of life legal issues that have been very difficult to get through for older adults, those reaching the end of life, and their caregivers when the affairs are not in order. Kline adds, the Knoxville Senior Center and Marion County Senior Nutrition are the local level contacts that can help with aging issues.