Volunteer Guardian Program

Volunteer Guardians are substitute decision-makers for people who have disabilities and are unable to make informed personal decisions in their own best interest.

Family with their older relative

Overview

Guardians do many things to ensure the quality of life for the people they serve. They make informed, major life decisions concerning medical care, therapies, and living environments. But, guardians also do the "little things" that improve their quality of life, and the little things mean a lot.

Download the VGP Brochure for more information.

How Can You Help?

If you have the time and the desire to advocate for someone who cannot speak for him or herself, consider volunteering. You can make a difference in the life of a person who may be lonely and vulnerable and who may have no visitors or others involved in his or her life.

Who Can Volunteer?

Caring, committed adults who are at least 21 years old, have good communication skills, and reliable transportation. You must live or work in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking or Pickaway Counties.

What Will You Do?

Become "legal guardian of the person" for individuals whose mental impairment so incapacitates them that they are unable to make sound medical and personal decisions.

Where Are You Needed?

The program serves the residents of nursing homes in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Fairfield, Licking and Pickaway Counties.

You will have:

  • Training (6 hours), ongoing support and technical assistance from the staff of the Volunteer Guardian Program.
  • Formal Statutory authority granted by the Probate Court; therefore, an attorney will represent you in that process.
  • Confidence in your skills to ask questions about care and quality of life as well as confidence in navigating a nursing home environment. This skill set will translate into your own life and that of your family.
  • The satisfaction of enhancing the quality of life and access to medical care of a nursing home resident who otherwise is unrepresented.

Application

If you are interested in volunteering download the Application Form and return by email or regular mail. If you have any issues with the forms please contact us!

Additional Resources

If you have questions (about guardianship, nursing home navigation, surrogate medical decision makers, why are "they" telling me I need to get guardianship, etc.) or are interested in more information, contact Jane at 614-645-3883 or jmoog@coaaa.org or Wendy at 614-645-1928 or whux@coaaa.org.