Plenary guardianship is an extreme measure; the appointment of a guardian can result in the serious deprivation of a person’s rights. In the best of circumstances, a person of severely diminished capacity may be well served by a trustworthy and conscientious guardian who acts as a protector and advocate. In the worst of circumstances, the guardian might deprive the ward of any meaningful participation in the decisions that affect the ward’s life and might even exploit and abuse the ward.