Project C.A.R.E. works closely with the Volunteer Guardianship Program to help raise money and to recruit volunteers. The Volunteer Guardians are motivated by a personal commitment to helping elderly people. Volunteers are recruited, screened and trained to provide ongoing support for their service to the elderly. These volunteers are sworn in by the courts to serve as the legal guardians of the elderly as concerned, caring advocates and surrogate decision-makers when a less restrictive alternative (to guardianship) is not available. As a guardian of two years, Miss Reagan has witnessed first-hand the need her client has for items such as dentures and prescription eyeglasses that are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

The primary tasks of a Volunteer Guardian are advocating for their client and making health and placement decisions. Volunteer Guardians are empowered to made decisions on behalf of their clients in such areas as health care and money management. In addition, they enjoy a special bond with their clients. For more information on how you could become involved in the Volunteer Guardian Program, contact the Southeastern Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability Information & Referral Line at 423-424-4256 or visit their Web Site: http://www.setaaad.org/

Additional Resources:

• The greatest gift you can give an elderly individual is love, support, and companionship. For more information on how you can help, contact your area representative, who can be found at:
  http://www.state.tn.us/comaging/localarea.html
• Celebrate the 2nd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
  http://www.inpea.net/
• Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, connects older Americans and their caregivers with sources of information on senior services: http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp
• Adult Protective Services Hotline:
  1-888-APS-TENN or 1-888-277-8366
  New statewide hotline to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults.