Public Guardianship Volunteer Program

Volunteers do not function as the Conservator but work closely with the Conservator and other staff and care providers to enhance provided services. All decisions regarding the client’s health care, finances, and residence will be made by the District Public Guardian. However, the District Public Guardian will use information provided by Volunteers to help make these decisions.

Volunteer Activities:

• Making regular visits (at least monthly) with assigned individuals to maintain a good knowledge of their health, physical appearance, general condition, needs, desires, and satisfaction with his/her living conditions
• Having conversations and reminiscing with the client
• Documenting all visits on the Volunteer Client Visit form and reporting visit findings to the Public Guardianship Office
• General evaluation/assessment of the client’s condition and environment
• Advocating for the client
• Communicating with the client’s caregivers regarding client condition and needs
• Identifying and reporting any possible client needs to the Public Guardianship Office
• Reading to the client, helping clients write letters, playing board games, working puzzles
• Attending an in-house facility activity with the client (crafts, bingo, music, etc.)
• Going on walks throughout the facility or outdoor courtyards
• Sending birthday cards

  Volunteer Duties and Qualifications

• Volunteers must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and have their own method of transportation.
• Schedules are flexible and based upon the needs of the client and availability of the volunteer.
• Documentation of client visits are due to the Public Guardianship office before the 5th of the month following the visits (example: November visit documentation is due by December 5^th). Each month, the Public Guardian must submit statistical information to the Tennessee Commission on Aging. Your documentation is vital for this reporting.
• New volunteers will train with the Public Guardianship Office prior to making independent client visits.
• Volunteers will adhere to all facility rules and regulations and ETHRA policies and procedures
• Check with nursing staff before giving or leaving any good/candy items and include this in your documentation.
• Consult with the District Public Guardian or their designee whenever a situation arises which may have legal ramifications or any other time when you need guidance. It is always better to ask whenever in doubt about any situation. Volunteers are a valuable part of our team and good communication is always desired so that we can work together and provide the best quality of living for our clients.