What should a guardian prioritize when making decisions for the ward?

A guardian's primary responsibility is to act in the best interests of their ward, which involves prioritizing the needs and best interests of the individual they are appointed to protect. This means that when making decisions, the guardian must consider what will promote the well-being of the ward, encompassing their physical, emotional, and social needs.

This focus on the ward’s best interests is foundational to the concept of guardianship, as the guardian is tasked with ensuring that the ward receives appropriate care and support, and that their rights and dignity are upheld. While the preferences and desires of the ward can be significant, especially if the ward is capable of expressing them, they should always be weighed against what is truly in the ward's best interests. This can sometimes involve difficult decisions, where the guardian must navigate the ward's preferences within the context of their overall well-being.

Other options, such as potential financial gain for the guardian or advice solely from family and friends, are not only inappropriate but contradict the ethical obligations of a guardian, which demand unwavering commitment to the welfare of the ward above all else.