Twenty-fifth Anniversary

 

The Stories of

Guardianship Services, Inc.

  

Mending a Relationship

September 3, 2010

Fred, a GSI money management case manager, first met Jill in a run-down motel room. Her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) had been reduced and she faced homelessness. Jill eagerly agreed to accept Fred's assistance.

GSI became representative payee for Jill. Fred discovered that the Social Security Administration had withheld checks because they assumed Jill's seasonal job was permanent. Fred was able to get the SSI reinstated. He moved Jill into her own affordable apartment. With the restoration of food stamps and Medicaid, Jill had enough money to buy new clothes and furnishings for her home.

Jill's mother had been her original representative payee. They bickered constantly about money. Jill's mother had a heart condition, and the social worker who made the referral felt that continuing in this role would be a burden. It was also taking a toll on the mother/daughter relationship.

Now that money worries are no longer the main topic of conversation, Jill and her mother are getting along better than ever. The once-frugal mother is helping Jill decorate her apartment. In turn, Jill does their housekeeping. A vital relationship has been restored.

 

Volunteering: A Family Affair

August 20, 2010

Volunteering is a family affair at Janie and Tom's house. When Janie was appointed volunteer guardian for Murray, her husband Tom also became involved in everything from visiting to moving furniture.

A stroke had left Murray unable to walk or communicate when he was referred to GSI for guardianship. Almost immediately, Janie became his volunteer guardian. With Janie's encouragement, Murray learned to walk and speak haltingly. Her tenacious advocacy and commitment to Murray gave Janie the momentum to overcome several financial and bureaucratic challenges. As a result, Murray was moved from a nursing home to assisted living.

Janie learned that Murray was a football fan. She made him a Cowboy's blanket and took him to see the new stadium. As they got to know each other better, Murray confided that he was worried about not having a suit for his funeral. Janie arranged for a new suit. Seeing Murray's disappointment when his daughter failed to come for a promised Thanksgiving visit, Janie resolved to never again let that happen. Murray became an important part of Janie and Tom's holiday celebrations.

For Janie and Tom, volunteering isn't just something to do. It is who they are - generous, compassionate, committed.

 

The Road to Recovery

August 6, 2010

Kevin was assaulted while walking home from work and suffered a serious head injury. Unable to locate any relatives, the Probate Court appointed GSI guardian. When he awoke from his coma, Kevin discovered he was HIV positive. To add insult to injury, following a year in rehabilitation Kevin still had a feeding tube and could not walk.

Lonely, but feeling lucky to be alive, Kevin was determined to become independent. He began eating on his own and learned to walk again. His case manager, Sherry, believed that Kevin would prosper in an apartment with appropriate supports. He was nervous about moving, but following an initial visit readily agreed to the new home.

Kevin had never known anyone else who was HIV positive until he made friends at his new home. He discovered that other people live, even thrive, with HIV. He now goes out with friends and takes advantage of everything his new residence offers. Memories of the assault still haunt him, so he always calls Sherry to let her know where he is going -- just in case.

Kevin's main concern is locating his family. Now that he has a volunteer guardian, he will have help finding relatives. Kevin is looking toward the future and happier than he has been in a very long time.

 

Behind the Scenes at GSI

July 23, 2010

The rumbling of the fax machine stops, producing another client intake for Frances to input into the guardianship data base. Frances understands the importance of accurate client records; they are used to monitor quality assurance and client care. Simultaneously, Susie is answering the sixth call of the morning from a Money Management client. Where is his weekly allowance? Why doesn't he get more money? Will Susie come visit? Today would be nice.

Day in, day out, GSI's heroic administrative staff provides essential behind-the-scenes support. Lu pays countless bills, making sure that utilities are not disconnected or vital medication discontinued due to nonpayment. Lynda reconciles agency accounts and ensures compliance with contracts and HR regulations. A sound business environment is important to the stability of a nonprofit committed to providing such a high level of care for so many clients.

GSI is like a well-tuned machine. All of the parts work in unison, each complementing the others. The outcome is that all clients receive compassionate, professional care. First and foremost, GSI's mission is to ensure exceptional client care. That mission is accomplished on a daily basis.

 

 Facing Hardship with Determination and Support

July 9, 2010

Tammy's brain aneurysm put her in a coma, forcing her to live in a nursing home. Following extensive rehabilitation she was transferred to assisted living, given little hope for further recovery. Tammy was referred to GSI for guardianship when her decisions about finances and housing placed her in serious jeopardy.

Tammy's dream was to live in her own apartment and not depend on a guardian. GSI case manager Valerie and volunteer guardian Sue encouraged her to live her dream. With great determination, Tammy became strong enough to move to an apartment. Valerie made sure it would be a successful move by arranging for in-home services.

Two years after guardianship was established, Tammy was able to have most of her rights restored. Valerie discovered friends who could support Tammy in her independence and she encouraged Tammy to do even more for herself. Now, four years later, Tammy has a support network in place and has asked the judge to restore all of her rights. Tammy will miss her guardianship safety net, but her dream of independence is about to come true.

 

Independent and Debt-Free

June 25, 2010

Brenda was living in a nursing home when referred to GSI’s Money Management Program (MMP). Once she completed rehab for her broken leg, Brenda was discharged from the facility. However, large medical and credit card bills made finding a new home difficult. In addition, Brenda’s vulnerability to scams threatened her with financial exploitation.

 

Brenda initially tried living with her daughter. Multiple strokes and pleas for money from the family forced her to move to an assisted living facility. MMP case manager Fred helped with the move. Fred untangled Brenda’s finances from those of her children. He dealt with the constant harassment of debtors. Fred even arranged for an emergency response system and operable wheelchair.

 

An improvement in Brenda’s health paved the way for Fred to assist in her move to an apartment. He arranged for Meals on Wheels and other in-home services so that Brenda could remain independent. Her outgoing personality and wry sense of humor made Brenda easy to match with a volunteer, and even attracted a couple of boyfriends. Brenda is content in her new apartment. With a little help from Fred, she has gone from being in debt to actually opening a savings account.

 

 A Place of His Own

June 11, 2010

Drew experienced tragedy early in life. At an early age one parent was struck by lightening and the other was murdered. GSI became successor guardian for Drew when his only relative, a loving uncle, moved out of the county. Drew was intellectually challenged and did not understand why his life was in such turmoil.

Drew lived in a bed and board home, but ran away because of deteriorating conditions. He wound up sleeping on a friend's couch. Sherry, Drew's guardianship case manager, told him: "This is not going to work. What do you want to do?" Drew could not remember anyone ever asking him what he wanted. "I want to live by myself, but no one has ever given me a chance."

Drew's self-care and life skills seemed reliable, so Sherry decided to give him that chance. She arranged for donated furniture. She purchased sheets, towels, dishes, and other things necessary to set him up in an apartment. Sherry also began taking care of neglected medical, dental, and vision needs.

Today Drew rides the bus to shop and prepares and eats meals in his own apartment. He is even looking for a suitable job. A place of his own may be just the beginning for Drew.

 

A Rescue from Exploitation and Isolation

May 28, 2010

The unexpected death of Clancy's wife left him grief-stricken. He turned to Christie and alcohol for comfort. Christie claimed that Clancy begged her to let him pay her bills. She also purchased three houses and a car for her son with proceeds from the sale of Clancy's stocks. Clancy's older sister became increasingly concerned about his sudden isolation from friends and family.

A perceptive bank teller notified the Probate Court when Christie tried to take control of Clancy's accounts. A new doctor's statement indicated Clancy had a diagnosis of dementia and recommended detoxification and treatment for high blood pressure, tremors and an infection. GSI was appointed temporary guardian and immediately moved Clancy to an assisted living facility. Christie's contact with Clancy was limited.

Soon old friends and family members were visiting Clancy. Best of all, a caring and devoted step-daughter came forward to be his guardian. The temporary involvement of GSI restored not only Clancy's health, but also his family.

 

Moving Toward Independence --

One Step at a Time

May 14, 2010

Teresa ('Tree') Rabold, GSI's Money Management Educator, first met Carol when she was living in an apartment complex slated for destruction. MHMR referred Carol to GSI when they discovered she was being financially exploited. In addition, friends were fraudulently using her identity.

Tree's assessment indicated Carol had potential for self-sufficiency if offered assistance. GSI's Money Management Program agreed to be Carol's representative payee if she joined Tree's Education Program. Carol accepted the assistance so she could learn to independently handle her own money.

Carol and her 4-year-old daughter moved into a local shelter while case managers secured housing and other community services. While there, Carol participated in self-help and parenting groups. As Carol's sense of her own self-worth grew, she began to focus on a better future for her small family.

Carol has made tremendous progress. She still does not handle her own money, but continues to gain skills that will help her meet her goal of independence. Carol and her daughter have moved into a safe, affordable apartment. Most importantly, Carol now has people in her life who care. Tree and GSI volunteer Helen Curtis both work to ensure that Carol will never again be exploited.

 

 A Man of Many Talents

April 30, 2010

GSI has many generous and talented volunteers, employees and board members. Only one person, Nick Nelson, has accepted all of these roles. Nick was recruited to be a volunteer guardian in 1987 by one of our founding fathers, attorney George Parker. Several years later Nick became a guardianship case manager.

Nick has always been willing to tackle tough cases. He has been threatened with a cane and had an ashtray thrown at him. He has cleaned out houses piled to the ceiling with trash and found buyers for dilapidated mobile homes. The number and complexity of Nick's cases are almost matched by those of his wife, Mira.

One of Nick's favorite clients was Lonnie. Nick moved him from a house destroyed by fire to a nursing home. Lonnie was always sweet and happy. After years tending lawns for a living, his favorite pastime was going to the hardware store and looking at lawn mowers.

In 2008 Nick became a member of the GSI Board of Directors. Someone who has experience at all levels of our work helps keep GSI true to its mission. Nick's dedication to those who are vulnerable to mistreatment is an inspiration to us all.

 

 A Dramatic Change

April 16, 2010

Linda fell and lay struggling on the floor for several days. Apartment staff finally discovered her predicament and called an ambulance. The hospital transferred Linda to a nursing home.

Linda was angry, verbally abusive and repeatedly threatened, "I will crawl out of here." She refused medications, showers, and all attempts at rehabilitation. When GSI case manager Cynthia became Linda's guardian, every visit was met with unwavering anger.

A doctor's exam revealed that Linda had Alzheimer's dementia with behavioral disturbances and depression. He prescribed medication and recommended she remain in the nursing home. With  heart-breaking  fervor, Linda screamed, cried and pled with the doctor to allow her to go home.

Linda's health problems confirmed her need to be in a supportive setting. She was hospitalized twice and experienced anemia, double pneumonia, an infection, and lethargy. She could not stand alone or transfer from bed to wheelchair.

Cynthia never gave up on Linda. During a recent visit to the hospital, Linda actually told Cynthia she wanted to go back to the nursing home and work on her rehabilitation program. She even took Cynthia's hand, kissed it, and told her how much she appreciated her.

 

A Time of Transition

April 2, 2010

Two strokes changed Jerry from an active older adult to someone whose blindness severely threatened his independence. His need for assistance with daily insulin shots and lack of mobility threatened his ability to live at home. He also discovered $3,100 had been stolen from his bank account.

The Judge could not appoint a family member as guardian until he learned who had taken the money. GSI was appointed temporary guardian. Guardianship Case Manager Valerie Morrison immediately began working on ways to keep Jerry in his home. She made it a safer place to use a wheel chair by blocking the entrance to a sunken living room. Valerie also improved the lighting so that Jerry could make the most of his limited vision.

Valerie introduced Jerry and his family to various community resources, including those who could  help navigate the guardianship process. She arranged for home health to educate Jerry and his family about the insulin shots and linked them with other in-home services.

Health problems and financial exploitation, which could have been devastating for Jerry, became manageable bumps in the road thanks to Valerie Morrison.

 

 A Volunteer Guardian Remembers

March 19, 2010

It was warm in Henry's nursing home room. He was curled up in bed, wearing a winter jacket. Some might describe him as cranky, but he did agree to my being his volunteer guardian. He did not remember almost burning down his apartment building and constantly asked when he could go home.

Henry and I became quite close. He looked forward to my regular visits and discussions about his world travels and how he had once designed and built airplanes. Outings to his doctor and restaurants were adventures we both enjoyed. I was able to move him to an assisted living facility, but his health deteriorated and he returned to a nursing home.

Our new adventure became excursions to the day room. Henry still wore a winter coat year round, but he did let me occasionally replace it. He knew my name, but always called me "Doll."

Henry spent the last several weeks of his life in and out of the hospital. He told me many times he was ready to go. He also told me many times he was glad I was around. I'm still thankful I was his "Doll."

                                                 --- Kim Olmedo Volunteer Guardian

 

Budgeting for Romance

March 5, 2010

Marvin was referred to GSI by Adult Protective Services. He had been found living in a storage shed behind his recently-deceased father's home. An honorable discharge from the Army provided Marvin with adequate income. However, his mental illness created a vulnerability to his financially-exploitive brother.

GSI's Money Management Program was appointed fiduciary for Marvin's VA pension. The staff moved him into a new apartment, away from his brother and the area that caused him so much sorrow. All basic bills were paid, and Marvin was provided with a monthly allowance to spend as he wished.

Recently reconnecting with an old girlfriend has removed the loneliness in Marvin's life. She encouraged him to improve his diet. And he convinced her that GSI should be her representative payee.

Today, a volunteer visits the couple weekly. They are learning budgeting skills and becoming aware of the difference prudent financial decisions can make. Most importantly, they can now afford to look forward to date nights!

 

An Antidote for Loneliness

February 19, 2010

Due to intellectual disabilities, Angela was totally dependent upon her mother and father. Her only option, as far as she was concerned, was to live in their home. They made all decisions on her behalf and determined with whom she socialized.

Following the death of her father, the health of Angela's mother declined and she moved into an assisted living facility. Angela, with no other place to go, moved with her. She even shared a room.

Angela's inability to make friends on her own forced her to spend most of her time with her mother. When her mother died, Angela was all alone. Due to a speech impairment, nobody at the facility could understand her frustration. Nobody had time to be patient or caring.

Thanks to GSI becoming Angela's guardian, she met a true friend. She was assigned a volunteer who immediately started taking her treats, accompanying her to the doctor, and visiting regularly. The volunteer communicated Angela's frustrations to the facility staff and other residents, and they soon started encouraging her to participate in activities.

Today, Angela is rarely found in her room. She is busy visiting with her many new friends. In fact, she has become so popular she has been named "Resident of the Month." Angela's new-found smile brightens everyone's day.

 

From Big Foot to Graveside

February 5, 2010

Betty roamed the streets at night because she was afraid of Big Foot, who lived in her walls. When she casually laid her gun on the counter at her bank, Betty was referred to Adult Protective Services. After an investigation, the Probate Court appointed volunteer Bill Starz as guardian. Betty became one of the very first clients of the Volunteer Guardian Program.

Bill discovered that Betty liked opera, so he took her to several performances. They learned to enjoy the moment because Alzheimer's prevented her from being able to later recall events. Bill saw her through difficult times - surgeries, multiple moves to various care facilities, health problems and personal frustrations.

The only people at Betty's funeral were Bill, his wife Janice, and a Guardianship Program employee. Bill's words at the graveside eloquently capture the reason GSI is needed. He said, "One day, I realized I am all she has."