Oregon law provides that a court may appoint a guardian for an adult person only as is necessary to promote and protect the well‑being of the protected person. A guardianship for an adult person must be designed to encourage the development of maximum self‑reliance and independence of the protected person and may be ordered only to the extent necessitated by the person=s actual mental and physical limitations. Similarly a court may appoint a conservator and make other appropriate protective orders if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the proposed Aprotected person@ is a minor or financially incapable, and has money or property that requires management or protection. An Order of guardianship or conservatorship terminates or severely limits the protected person=s rights and freedoms. State laws require that less restrictive alternatives are explored before guardianship or conservatorship is ordered.
According to Oregon law, you are considered incapacitated if you cannot make decisions well enough to get health care, food, shelter, clothing, and other care necessary to avoid serious physical injury or illness and, therefore, need continuing care and supervision.