In most General Conservatorships, a conservator may receive authority over routine healthcare decisions, but the court does not automatically grant the power to consent to psychotropic medications or to place the conservatee in a locked facility. These more restrictive powers must be requested separately. To obtain them, the conservator must present additional evidence—often in the form of medical records, expert declarations, or other supporting documentation—showing why these measures are necessary. This is especially relevant in cases involving individuals with dementia, where enhanced oversight or specialized care may be required.
By comparison, a Limited Conservatorship—typically used for adults with developmental disabilities—narrowly tailors the conservator’s powers based on the conservatee’s unique needs and capabilities. The ability to make healthcare decisions, including consent for certain medications, may or may not be granted, depending on the court’s specific order. This approach ensures that individuals receive only the level of care and intervention they truly require, while preserving as much independence as possible.