If a ward cannot communicate, what should a guardian check for?

When a ward is unable to communicate, it is essential for a guardian to check for a living will or health care proxy. These documents provide critical instructions regarding the ward's preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care. They are designed to guide healthcare professionals and guardians in making decisions that align with the ward’s values and wishes when they cannot express these themselves. Ensuring that these directives are in place helps to protect the ward's autonomy and ensures that their care aligns with their desires, even in instances of incapacity.

The other options, while potentially relevant in different contexts, do not have the same level of significance in this scenario. A list of personal belongings would not offer any insight into the ward's medical preferences or treatment choices. Family members’ advice, although valuable, can vary widely and may not reflect the ward’s true wishes or legal directives. Therapeutic recommendations, while important for the ward's care, do not address the underlying preferences for treatment that would be provided in a living will or health care proxy.