Guardianship abuse — where a court-appointed guardian mismanages or exploits someone under their authority — is a real, if uncommon, risk, and solo agers are sometimes seen as more vulnerable to it due to having fewer people watching out for them.
The best protection: never needing a court-appointed guardian at all
Because guardianship is generally a last resort when no valid power of attorney or health care proxy exists, the single strongest protection is simply having those documents in place, naming someone you've chosen and trust.
If you're concerned about an existing situation
Contact an elder law attorney or your state's long-term care ombudsman program immediately — most states have adult protective services specifically equipped to investigate suspected guardianship abuse or exploitation.
Choose agents who are financially stable themselves and have no history of financial trouble — a well-documented risk factor for exploitation.
This article is general information, not legal advice.