Elderly wards and their legal guardians: analysis of county probate records in Ohio and Washington.

We examined the demographic profiles of older wards and their guardians in Ohio and Washington states. The adjudication process, as experienced by older persons placed in legal guardianship, was also explored. Findings suggest that current state statutes of guardianship as they pertain to elders may not be feasible or fair. In particular, standardized and reliable assessments of competency are lacking; a family member's petition for guardianship is seldom challenged by the older person; and the primary goal of most guardianship cases to preserve the estate of the older individual.