North Central Indiana Continuity of Care (NCICC)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!

Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program

Volunteer Limited Guardian Services for Incapacitated Adults

in Tippecanoe County

Program Description

Purpose     The Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program (AGAP) is an innovative volunteer limited guardian initiative designed to address the critical health care, social service and legal representation needs of the growing population of ill and at-risk incapacitated adults in Tippecanoe County.   At the request of the Tippecanoe Circuit Court, a Task Force of healthcare, social services, and legal representatives investigated the need for guardianship services for adults in Tippecanoe County. It was found that Tippecanoe County had a great need for these services and after comprehensive research, the Task Force chose Family Services, Inc., in conjunction with the Tippecanoe Circuit Court, to administer the program.  The first class of AGAP volunteers completed training and were sworn in as Officers of the Tippecanoe Circuit Court by Judge Don Daniel in April 2006. AGAP began accepting referrals on May 1^st, 2006.

Target Population      The Program provides volunteer limited guardian services to support the health care decision-making, social service planning and legal representation needs of ill and at-risk adults who are:       

• over the age of 18;
• determined by a physician to be incapacitated and decisionally incapable of representing his/her own best interests or managing his/her own personal affairs;
• have no willing, able or suitable relative to serve as a guardian; and
• are in need of the appointment of a limited guardian by the Tippecanoe Circuit Court.

 Program Design      The Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program is the first organized effort addressing the guardianship needs of this group of at-risk adults in Tippecanoe County.  It is designed to safeguard the health care, social service and legal representation needs of this population by using trained volunteers to serve as court appointed Limited Guardians.

The program recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to serve as limited guardians appointed by the Tippecanoe Circuit Court.  AGAP Volunteers undergo criminal history and social service background checks, personal interviews, provide references and complete an initial forty-hour training program.  They are sworn-in by the Court as Officers and as Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program volunteers. The AGAP Volunteers serve as the guardian of the person.  Although the AGAP Volunteer is required to investigate the individual’s financial matters, under  IC 29-3-8.5, no control over the person’s estate is granted to the limited guardian unless by specific order of the Court.

The role of the volunteer limited guardian is to investigate and assess the incapacitated person’s life situation (including locating relatives when possible), facilitate health care, social service and legal representation decision-making, plan for appropriate post-release placement and services, and provides the Court with recommendations for long-term planning for the individual.

The AGAP Volunteers are appointed to serve as limited guardians for a 60-day period.  The Program provides the Court with a 15-day progress report and a 60-day final report that includes recommendations for future decision-making and actions to be taken on behalf of the person.

Adult Guardianship & Advocacy Program (AGAP)

Family Services, Inc.

615 North 18^th Street  Suite 201

Lafayette, IN 47904

765-423-5361

richard@fsilafayette.org

CAREGIVER COMPANION

Serving Tippecanoe and Tipton Counties

If you take pleasure in driving people to appointments, enjoy housework or laundry, like to do minor repair work, enjoy visiting, or want to give a caregiver some relief, then we have the volunteer opportunity for you!

Caregiver Companion is a network of interfaith volunteers who strive to improve the quality of life for caregivers of the homebound, as well as to the sick, frail, and disabled who desire to remain in their homes.  

To give respite to caregivers. Time away is vitally important for caregivers in order to keep a cheerful attitude and stay healthy.  A volunteer goes into the home to stay with the loved one while the caregiver gets out of the home. 

The ill, frail and disabled who need minor assistance to remain in their home, rather than move to institutional living, often require help with housekeeping, laundry, or errand running. Some are lonely and just want a visitor to talk to. Many cannot drive or take public transportation and are seeking a ride to their appointments. Volunteers help these families in their various needs.

This is a great opportunity for those who desire to help others. What better way to give back to the community than to help those who have lived and worked in this community and now needs assistance to enjoy living in their home for a while longer.

Target Population:  

Caregivers of the homebound, and the ill, frail, and disabled who desire to remain in their homes rather than move to institutional living. 

The target population for volunteers is those who have a desire to help others; those who see the great reward of doing for others and giving time and talent to enrich the life of the ill, frail, or disabled.

Volunteers are given a brief introduction and training.  Time given is up to the individual and their schedule and availability. 

The ill, frail and disabled deserve the respect and quality of life they gave their families, coworkers, friends, and neighbors. As the elderly lose their health, family, friends, and ability to produce work, they need to know they are still a valuable member of society and are afforded the gifts of respect, admiration and appreciation.

Caregiver Companion strives to match those in need with those who want to help. 

If you are interested in volunteering your time, please call 423-1879, or email compan@verizon.net