RI Volunteer Guardianship Program

GOOD SAMARITAN GUARDIANSHIPS FOR                    Patricia A. M. Vinci, Esq., Director
COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED ELDERS                                  Phone: 739-2844 ext. 36
Printable Volunteer Guardian Application                        pvinci@cornerstone-ri.com
                                                                                                                                                                  
The RI Volunteer Guardianship Program (“VGP”) has been a successful service to Rhode Island’s elderly population since the RI Department of Elderly Affairs began sponsoring the VGP as a pilot program in 2001. The VGP is managed by Cornerstone Adult Services, Inc.

• Guardianship is a legal arrangement through which the Guardian is authorized to make certain decisions for another person, the Ward.
• The VGP provides trained volunteers to help cognitively impaired elderly persons.
• Volunteers are appointed as “Good Samaritan” Guardians of the Person by a Probate Court Judge and make important health care, residence, and relationship decisions.
• Volunteer lawyers handle the Probate Court papers and hearings needed to appoint Volunteer Guardians.
• No special expertise is required; only the desire to make a difference in the lives of elders in need.