Depending on multiple factors, guardianships can be over the “person,” over the “estate,” or both. A guardian of the person will take care of the physical well-being of the person subject to the guardianship, including making health care and placement decisions. A guardian of the estate will take care of the real and personal property of the person subject to the guardianship. More often than not, the same individual may serve in both roles. There are quite a few responsibilities to serving as a guardian, so you should discuss with an attorney the full extent of what a guardianship is, and whether one is necessary.