MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF AN OLDER ADULT OR ADULT WITH A DISABILITY

Carol, a frail older woman living in her own home, isolated by her physical frailties and her cognitive impairments had lost touch with her family and friends. She was unable to take care of herself but was refusing assistance because she couldn’t recognize that she needed help; as a result, Carol was suffering from poor nutrition, lack of necessary medical care, and was in danger of having her utilities disconnected for nonpayment.  County Adult Protective Services became involved, and asked the court to appoint Mary, a volunteer guardian, to make decisions for her to ensure her care and safety needs were met.  Over time, Mary earned Carol’s trust; with the support of Mary, Carol regained her strength, was able to stay in her home, and enjoy the familiarity of her neighborhood.

VOA MN Protective Services is seeking dedicated, compassionate people like Mary in Hennepin County, who are willing to serve as legal decision-makers on a volunteer or paid basis, with free in-depth training and support.  This is a powerful opportunity to work directly with the most vulnerable of our citizens to make positive, drastic change in their lives.

Contact The Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making at Volunteers of America MN (952-945-4174 or cesdm@voamn.org) to learn more about how you, or someone you know, may be eligible to receive valuable training on the role, powers, and duties of court appointed guardians and conservators, the needs of vulnerable adults with impaired decision-making capacity, and resources available to serve them.  Training will be held Tuesday afternoons in Minneapolis beginning in early April through mid-May.