Hedda - During the initial interview, new client Hedda remarked, “I’m so confused. Some say my mother’s dead, but I don’t know for sure.” Hedda’s mother had been deceased for many years. In addition to confusion, Hedda had been diagnosed with dementia, hypertension and cardiac problems. She was depressed and was not taking her medications regularly. Also, she was not eating and was behind in paying bills. Guardianship Services, Inc. was appointed Hedda’s guardian in 2004 and she was matched with Diane as her volunteer.

At first Hedda was placed in the Alzheimer’s wing of a nursing facility. With good nutrition and proper medication, the progression of her dementia slowed, and she was moved off the Alzheimer’s wing and into an area with fewer restrictions. She was very excited to be named Valentine’s Day Sweetheart last January. Her volunteer and the nursing facility staff threw Hedda a party for her 89th birthday, complete with a DJ and a cake with her picture on it. Hedda uses a walker, but it did not stop her from dancing to the birthday music.

James - James has been diagnosed with mild intellectual disabilities and lives in a group home. No relatives visit or call James. His father lives out-of-state; the mother’s location is unknown. Volunteers and GSI case managers have seen James through dental work, visits to a new doctor, job changes, and moving to different group homes.

The IRS started garnishing James’ Social Security when his father stole his identity and started using his son’s Social Security number. Because of the scam, James was paying for his father’s back child support. After months of work, the garnishment has finally been stopped.

James is very shy, but enjoys his group home and working in a sheltered workshop. He does not like to exercise so the purchase of a Wii was included in his Care Plan. The group home calls it “Wii-hab.”