Many of Butler and Warren County’s most vulnerable elderly, mentally ill and mentally disabled residents have experienced improved lives thanks to the advocacy of the court-appointed guardians from LifeSpan. The Guardianship program has brought stability, safety and companionship to hundreds of area residents since its inception in 1996. LifeSpan was the first organization to offer a guardianship program in Butler County and remains the only one serving both the elderly and those with mental illness or disability. The program expanded into Warren County in 2006.

LifeSpan guardians include both staff members and trained volunteers. They are appointed by the Probate Court to make decisions for their wards relating to health care, living arrangements or safety issues. Wards are individuals who have no immediate family able or willing to help them or they have mental limitations that impair their ability to make competent decisions. They typically live in nursing homes, group homes and in other supported living environments. Many times the guardian may be the only person who visits outside of medical professionals or caregivers.

LifeSpan is always in need of compassionate volunteer guardians as each year the Guardianship program sees an increase in referrals. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, undergo fingerprinting and a police background check, and attend orientation and ongoing training.