About Us – VACA, Inc.

We provide guardianship services for people that can no longer make their own decisions due to dementia or other incapacity. We ensure they get the proper medical treatment needed for better health outcomes and quality of life. It is the goal of the organization that these services be administered in the least restrictive way and with the most respect for the value of all individuals in the community. We are able to achieve this through the generosity of our caring volunteers.

VACA partners with and is partially funded through the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) Program which provides volunteers that visit elderly, mentally ill, and intellectual/developmentally disabled individuals. VASIA Program volunteers are required to complete an application and conduct a criminal background check. Once complete, volunteers are matched with an individual in the community and connected to various community events and respires in which to engage and participate!

FAQs

What is guardianship?

Guardianship is a legal process that gives an individual or entity the power to make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated individual, who cannot make sound decisions by themselves.

What is an incapacitated person?

An incapacitated individual is an adult (18 years or older) who has been determined by a court of law to not be able to manage their own affairs including food, clothing, shelter, and finances because of a mental condition. Mental conditions range from a mental illness, to developmental and intellectual disabilities, to other disorders that affect an individual’s cognitive functioning.

When is guardianship needed?

When an individual becomes legally incapacitated, a guardian may be put in place to manage their affairs for them. This is a legal process managed by the Probate court. Typically, a family member is chosen as guardian, but if there are no available family members, a professional guardian may be assigned.

Who do we help?

The Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) Program provides volunteers that visit elderly, mentally ill, and intellectual/developmentally disabled individuals. VACA is an advocate for seniors and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.