Volunteer Guardian Program

It is often assumed that everyone has family or friends who will assist them when they have lost the ability to make their own decisions. The fact is, not everyone has someone to fill this role. In Central Ohio, there are a growing number of adult nursing home residents who have lost the ability to make reasoned medical and daily care decisions and have no one to assist and support them. You can help! Older adults who live in nursing care or another protected setting can be matched with volunteers who are trained and professionally supported to become a court appointed medical guardian. For over 35 years, COAAA's Volunteer Guardian Program has trained and supported volunteers to serve as the legal medical guardian for these residents.