Aging NH population prompts look at elderly guardians

CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire's aging population is prompting the state to look at who will help care for the elderly as their numbers increase.

David King, administrative judge of the state Probate Court system, has formed a "Task Force on Professional Guardians" to address the expected increase in demand for legal guardians for the elderly. Estimates are that the percentage of the state's population over 65 years old will more than double by the year 2030.

More than 5,600 adults are served by guardians given authority by the probate courts to make decisions the adults no longer are able to make on their own, such as where to live or what medications to take.

Most of the guardians are family members, but in cases where family members are unavailable or unwilling to serve, professional guardians are appointed.

Hillsborough County Probate Judge Raymond Cloutier is heading the task force. It will consider qualifications and training for professional guardians and look at ways that courts can help family members serving as guardians.