By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Each year, Judge Dave Woessner encounters people in Probate Court who are facing huge issues in their lives – without family to help them make life-altering decisions.
So Woessner is making a pitch for people willing to serve as volunteer guardians with Wood County Probate Court.
The Volunteer Guardian program pairs up volunteers with adults declared incompetent by the court. Many of the adults are referred to the court by local nursing homes, Adult Protective Services, local mental health services or Wood Lane. Some of the older adults are no longer able to look out for their best interests and don’t have family members to help. Some of the younger adults have developmental disabilities and lack family to take the role.
On good days, the volunteers might go to the movies or out to dinner with their match (at least prior to COVID.) On bad days, the guardians might have to give permission for medical procedures or be with the person at the end of their life.
For four years, Rodna Bordner has been there for the good times and the bad times as a volunteer guardian with the Wood County Probate Court.
“I’ve always had an interest in advocacy,” said Bordner, who is retired. “It seemed like a natural fit.”
Bordner is currently matched up with three people. As a guardian, she represents the person, not their estates.
“My role is to be an advocate for individuals,” she explained. That may mean talking about medical issues, healthy living environments or workplace concerns.
“We are making sure the person has the right to good living, like every person should have,” Bordner said.
The probate guardian program currently has 17 volunteers – but the need is far greater, according to Woessner.
“We are always in need of additional people,” he said.
Many don’t have family members willing or able to help with major decisions, ranging from day-to-day issues to medical decisions. The volunteers don’t handle any money for the individuals, the judge explained.
“Most of the volunteers provide socialization, outings, dinners. It’s a good service,” Woessner said.
“They are really incredible people,” he said about the volunteers.
Bordner said the work is challenging, but so important.
“I feel like I’m always in the receiving mode,” she said. “I would encourage anybody to step up and give it a try.”
“It’s a very fulfilling role,” Bordner said. “There is a great need out there.”
To qualify, a volunteer must be 21 years or older, fill out an application and go through a background check. They must complete six hours of training, then three hours of continuing education each year. The volunteers must make at least once a month face-to-face contact with the person they are matched with.
Anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer Guardian may call Wood County Probate Court at 419-354-9230, and speak with Jennifer Robeson, office manager for probate court.
