Through the Hamilton County VASIA Guardianship Program, Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County (SCHC) will serve as the court-appointed legal guardian of incapacitated adults in Hamilton County and provide assistance to those adults through trained volunteers.
The Guardianship Program promotes the dignity of a person who no longer has the capacity to make major life decisions by helping them find the least-restrictive assistance that also prioritizes their best interest, safety and self-determination.
Who might need a Guardian?
Adults with limited decision capacity in one or more areas of their life as determined by the court could benefit from the Guardianship Program as a means of helping them make decisions based on their own best interests and preferences. Guardianship is a dramatic intervention: It is a legal appointment by the court after careful consideration and evaluation to determine that less restrictive options for assistance would not be enough.
Nation
“The Guardianship Program permits us to care for those who once cared for us,” said Steve Nation, a retired Hamilton County judge and member of the Guardianship Program Taskforce. “In light of the projected increase in the elderly population in Hamilton County in the next five years, the need for this type of program is greater than ever. By serving the elderly in our community with this program, we not only invest in the culture of our county, but also take the opportunity to thank our seniors who have given so much of their lives to ensure that individuals in the next generation will have better lives and futures.”
SCHC is in need of Volunteer Advocates to serve in this program. These advocates serve by building positive relationships with persons under guardianship, helping identify needs to connect guardianship clients to services and monitoring ongoing care plans to ensure the highest quality of life for those under guardianship. All Volunteer Advocates undergo initial training, are provided with ongoing support and continuing education, and are screened through an application and background check process.
If you are interested in finding out more information about the Guardianship Program or serving as a Volunteer Advocate, please contact Program Director Stephanie Seeger at stephanie@shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org or (317) 674-8777 ext. 8.
About SCHC
SCHC is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Hamilton County senior residents who want to remain independent. SCHC’s vision is to be known throughout Hamilton County as a trusted resource for connecting seniors with volunteer programs and support their independence. In 2019, SCHC served 520 unique older adults served across its three signature programs: Together Today, Community Caring and Reaching Resources.