Hospital pioneers volunteer advocacy program to assist seniors

Published: 2004-09-02

HAMMOND, Ind. (CNS) -- A Catholic medical facility in northwest Indiana is training people to be concerned about the needs of seniors -- particularly seniors whose cognitive skills might not be too sharp and who have no family members to act on their behalf. St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers has initiated Volunteer Advocates for Seniors, the first program of its type in the state, from whom it has received recognition and legislation to support this service for incapacitated seniors. It could also be the first program of its type in the nation, according to the hospital and members of the legal community. Volunteer Advocates for Seniors works with probate courts to provide trained volunteers as limited guardians for incapacitated or protected elderly who are without relatives or attorneys to represent their best interests as guardians. This guardianship is limited to 60 days or the patient's death.

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