Questions and Answers For
Prospective Volunteer Guardians
What is guardianship all about?
Guardianship is a legally defined process whereby a person (the ward) has been declared by the Probate Court to be incompetent. A guardian is appointed by the Probate Court for the care and management of the ward. Guardianship may be of the person, the estate, or both. In most instances, the guardianship of the person will be requested from the Probate Court or in some cases a care facility. There are certain requirements of a guardian that are part of the Ohio Revised Code. These are explained in detail in guardian training sessions.
How much of my time will be involved if I agree to volunteer?
As a volunteer guardian, one or two hours per month would generally be needed. This time could be a combination of telephone and in-person contacts, including attending the quarterly care conferences, when possible. Volunteer guardians are required to attend an initial 3 hour training program. The training program is held on Saturday morning in the Canton area.
What can you tell me about the people who are in need of a volunteer?
The people who are referred to GSS must be adults, are most often indigent, lacking available or appropriate family and/or support systems, and are unable to make decisions for themselves as defined by law. The majority reside in a nursing home.
What kinds of things would I be doing as a volunteer?
As a volunteer guardian your primary tasks would be health-related decision-making and advocating for the ward. GSS is always available for consultation as you make decisions.
What costs am I likely to incur if I volunteer?
You are not personally liable for any costs incurred by the ward that exceed the ward's assets. You incur the travel and telephone costs of having contact with the ward.
Will I receive any type of reimbursement for volunteering?
GSS will pay 44.5 cents per mile to the guardian as reimbursement. A maximum of $20 per month per ward is allowed. Forms are available from GSS. No other reimbursement will be made.
If I go through the training does that mean that I am committing myself to being a volunteer?
There is a process to becoming a volunteer and you will not be asked to make a commitment until the training is completed. You will be asked to complete an application and provide three references. The application is submitted to the Stark County Probate Court. Each applicant will undergo a background check. After the training is completed you will be asked if you are ready to commit to being a Volunteer Guardian. GSS will try to geographically match Volunteer Guardians and Wards. Once a match is made, you will be given information about the person, his/her needs, and health status. If at that time you are ready to proceed as a volunteer guardian GSS will prepare the necessary paperwork for court.
What do I do and who do I call if and when I run into a problem after the relationship with the ward begins?
In addition to the information provided during the initial training, you will receive a notebook, "Guardian of the Person Handbook". This handbook may help you with some problems. Should a problem, concern or question arise at any time during the guardianship, contact GSS who will provide information or arrange for you to speak to someone else.
What kinds of paperwork will I have to do?
As a volunteer guardian, the Court will require an Annual Report be completed each year. This will be fully explained to you in the training session. Volunteer guardians are required to keep records of the date, type, time and content of contacts with the ward. Again, information on how to do this will be explained during the training and materials will be furnished by GSS.
Why should I consider volunteering for GSS?
Volunteering in this program will give you the opportunity to meet a need in your own community for a special group of people. You will be able to reach out with a caring heart and hand to a person who likely is without family or close friends. You will gain experience in nurturing, advocating and caring for another person who otherwise would have no one in his or her life. Perhaps most importantly, you will receive satisfaction in making someone's life better. The individual may be facing the reality of the end of life in an unfamiliar setting. With all of today's technology, there is nothing that can begin to replace the smile or touch of another human being. Only you can provide this.
What if my ward moves?
You will continue to be the guardian as long as the ward remains under the jurisdiction of the Stark County Probate Court. You will be responsible for filing a change of address with the Probate Court indicating that the ward has moved, and providing the new address and phone number. Guardian Support Services (GSS) will complete the necessary forms and work with you during the move.
If my life changes and I need to stop being the guardian, can I do that?
We know that volunteers' lives change over time. If this means you need to end your involvement, we will find another volunteer to become a successor guardian in your place. The court will hold you responsible until the hearing appointing the new volunteer can be held. The sooner you let us know that your circumstances have changed, the sooner we will be able to match your ward with someone else.