OPG - Blog

OPG - Blog

person sitting at desk while using laptop computer and green stethoscope nearby
February 7, 2022
Does your ward/protected person have Medicare? Part of a your responsibility as guardian and/or conservator can include managing Medicare benefits. Medicare can be very confusing, so in-depth research and consultation with neutral, certified counselors can be helpful in avoiding scams and...Read more
checkbook duplicate, post-it note, and white printer papers showing text about taxes in a beige folder on a black surface with a cup of coffee and iPhone in a yellow case with calculator feature
January 13, 2022
It’s tax season! The IRS has urged taxpayers to get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. The IRS will begin accepting filings on January 24, 2022 . Income tax preparations may look a little different for 2021 due to Economic Impact Payments, Child Tax Credits, and other changes. This year's...Read more
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) suicidepreventionlifeline.org
September 3, 2021
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mental health conditions can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is important to know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Risk factors are not limited to, but include: mental health conditions such as mood disorders...Read more
stack of gold and silver coins on white paper with an array of pens stacked behind
June 16, 2021
Guardians and/or conservators are typically responsible for maintaining all public benefits for which their ward or protected person is entitled. The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) assists individuals in paying for their premiums through a state subsidy. Assistance is available for Medicare Parts A...Read more
"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day" banner with blue, green, orange, and purple color blocks
June 4, 2021
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is coming up on June 15, 2021. It was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world...Read more
black calculator white paper clip and black pen on white paper chart
October 23, 2020
Part of a guardian’s responsibilities can include managing a ward’s Medicaid benefits. These benefits differ from Medicare. Like Medicare, the Medicaid program can be confusing, so doing your research and learning about the programs and services your ward may be eligible for is important. Open...Read more
young woman supporting an older woman in a wheelchair outdoors
October 16, 2020
As a guardian and caregiver, you have many responsibilities. You may manage finances, make medical decisions, provide personal care, arrange for transportation, etc. These tasks have likely intensified and increased during the COVID19 pandemic, morphed into additional duties, or even required you...Read more
woman in white shirt wearing a mask using laptop computer
October 9, 2020
As the pandemic groans on, COVID19 has likely made your work as a guardian and/or conservator more challenging. You are not alone! For the latest and greatest COVID19 facts and information, check out both the CDC and DHHS websites for information and resources. The National Guardianship Association...Read more
white and black now hiring sign with parking lot and grass in background
September 25, 2020
The Office of Public Guardian is hiring for an Associate Public Guardian in Norfolk, NE! This vacancy is due to a growing need for public guardianship in northeast Nebraska! For more information and/or to apply, click HERE .Read more
wood burning stove in room with windows and winter scene in background
September 22, 2020
Winter is coming! Is your ward entitled to energy assistance to assist with offsetting the cost of the heating bill? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal grant administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. LIHEAP provides heating assistance...Read more
brown wooden gavel on white surface
July 24, 2020
One of our jobs as guardians and conservators is to file an annual report. The courts require specific information and documentation to ensure that the affairs of the ward or protected person are being handled properly. This year there are some changes that you should be aware of. Check out this 15...Read more
'support' word from wooden blocks on desk
July 20, 2020
Hello guardians and/or conservators! We know how tough this job can be, and we want you to know that we appreciate you. If you're struggling with some aspect of guardianship or conservatorship, please feel free to contact an associate public guardian in your area. We will try to answer your...Read more
white printer paper with black text about 2020 Census
July 14, 2020
Hello guardians and conservators! Today we've got census resources to share. The response deadline is October 15th, and if you haven't responded yet, a census worker may be knocking on your door soon. Click the links below for general info, including why your response matters, how to respond, and...Read more
path on the left, green sign with text 'right way', path on the right
July 9, 2020
As a guardian or conservator, part of your job is to help your ward make decisions, or, when they aren't able, to make decisions on their behalf. We know that this is a heavy responsibility, but there is guidance avaliable. Wednesday, July 29th from 1:00 - 2:00 pm CDT, The National Center on Law...Read more
forbidden sign (red circle with slash) - isolated on white background
June 25, 2020
Hello guardians and conservators! COVID19 is a serious concern, and we applaud efforts to prevent spread and to stay informed about this ever-changing situation, but we urge you and your wards/protected persons to please be cautious and aware of possible scams. Please click the link below to...Read more
white and black ceramic cup with 'what good shall I do to this day' on it - filled with brown liquid on brown wooden surface
June 24, 2020
Are you exploring opportunites to make a difference? Consider becoming a volunteer Court Visitor! The Office of Public Guardian is an office of last resort, meaning that the people we serve have no other person in their life able to serve as their guardian and/or conservator. Court Visitors are...Read more
older man facing young man with Down Syndrome - smiling and laughing at each other
June 24, 2020
Are you passionate about and committed to serving those in need? If you have the time and desire, the Office of Public Guardian has a challenging volunteer opportunity for you. The OPG provides legal guardianship for people who have no one else in their lives to step into that role. Sometimes, a...Read more
shoes on concrete with painted arrow signs pointing left, forward, and right
June 23, 2020
Whether you are exploring guardianship for the first time or you're an experienced guardian wondering if there are other possibilities, welcome! We understand that this can be a confusing journey. Guardianship should always be a last resort. But what are some other, less restrictive options? How...Read more
white textile (face mask) and spray bottle on brown wooden table
June 19, 2020
Has the current pandemic made your job as a guardian and/or conservator more difficult? Perhaps you've been unable to visit your ward, or have concerns about their risk level. This situation is unique and you many have many questions and concerns. We hope that this list of guardian-specific...Read more
black female using a laptop and phone on a table with glasses and coffee placed nearby
June 18, 2020
Recently, we provided a resource to introduce you to Medicare (you can see that post here ). But what should you do If your ward/protected person can't afford Medicare premiums? Start here to see if they qualify for assistance: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/get-help-paying-costs/...Read more

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