Volunteer Guardian for Nursing Home Resident- supported role

It is often assumed that everyone has family or friends who will assist them when they lose the ability to make their own decisions. The fact is, not everyone has someone willing to be responsible for decision making. In Central Ohio (Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Pickaway, Fairfield and Fayette Counties) there are a growing number of adults who have lost the ability to make reasoned decisions and are without anyone to assist them. In certain circumstances, volunteers who are trained and supported by professionals can help.

The Volunteer Guardian Program The Volunteer Guardian Program (VGP) at the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging trains and supports people to be court-appointed “Guardians of the Person.” These guardians make medical and quality of life decisions for individuals who have no family able or willing to assist them and whose ability to make decisions is diminished.

Volunteer Guardians do not handle money or have financial responsibility.

People served by VGP are adults who live in nursing homes or other group-care settings and have some type of mental impairment. Whatever the reason, their ability to process information has deteriorated; they are alone and they need your help.

Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, have reliable transportation, Attend an interview, undergo a background check and complete training provided by the program.

Volunteers with the program find this to be extremely satisfying and stay with the program an average of 6 years.