Lifeline ready for next step in guardian program

Lake County Lifeline is continuing work to develop the Lake County Volunteer Guardian Program.

Having recently established the division, Lifeline is now prepared to work in concert with the county’s Probate Court in seeking volunteers interested in becoming legal guardians for the program.

Differing from what the guardianship adoption typically involves, this program will match potential guardians with adults who have been deemed incompetent by the court and medical professionals.

Lifeline’s director of community services, Michelle Mezaris, said most of the clients that guardians would be caring for “are going to be seniors who are in nursing homes or who have chronic conditions that leave them unable to manage much of anything. Some might have significant mental health issues they can’t manage on their own or don’t have family members that can help.

“There are also those who have developmental disabilities. Whoever the court feels needs a guardian who has no one else will fall to us.”

She said such a program will only continue to be more vital to the community,

“We have a huge growing senior population in Lake County, no one can deny that” she said. “As they get older they’re going to need more assistance. We’re going to have to address the needs of seniors. People are living longer and they may not have family members who are able to take care of them.”

Potential guardians will be responsible for ensuring their ward’s health and safety by working with service providers and the court. Guardians will also be responsible to make important decisions on behalf of their ward, including but not limited to, healthcare and housing issues.

According to Mezaris, the Lake County Volunteer Guardian Program will be working closely with guardians to provide them with the support and training necessary to care for their wards.

“Now that there is a formalized program in the community, the volunteer guardians will have someone to go to for support for questions for things that may come up with their wards,” she said.

“There is a six-hour required training (program) through Ohio Supreme Court that can be done through training software through probate court and online,” she added. “That goes over the process of guardianship and what your role would be. An interview follows with our volunteer guardian team to determine availability, skills, and what you’re looking for.”

The program is funded in part by the Lake County Senior Services Levy and the county ADAMHS Board. The program is now accepting volunteers and those interested can contact Program Manager Gwen Corban at gwenc@lclifeline.org or 444-3502233