Beginner’s Guide to Volunteering with Seniors & Adults in Need

Judicial District 17 VASIA (Johnson, Hancock & Shelby Counties)

Volunteering to support vulnerable seniors and adults is more than a kind gesture, it's a powerful act of advocacy. In Johnson, Hancock, and Shelby counties, the VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) program connects compassionate individuals with clients who have no family, have been abused, or are unable to care for themselves. If you're just beginning to explore this opportunity, this guide will walk you through every step of the journey, from application to advocacy.

Why Your Advocacy Matters

There is no waitlist at District 17 VASIA because the program only accepts as many cases as it has volunteers. That means many in our community go unserved, not due to lack of need, but due to lack of guardians. With elder abuse on the rise and many adults being institutionalized, evicted, or neglected, your role as a volunteer could be the one factor that changes a life.

Are You a Match for VASIA?

You don’t need a degree or professional experience to be a volunteer guardian. What matters most is compassion, dependability, and a willingness to show up.

Basic eligibility includes:

• Being 21 years or older
• Willingness to commit about 6 hours monthly
• Patience and understanding, especially with clients facing cognitive decline

How to Get Started

1. Apply: Visit indianavasia.org/volunteer and download the application.
2. Connect: Submit your application and contact Lauren Rynerson at lrynerson@johnsoncounty.in.gov to schedule an interview.
3. Screening: You'll complete a background check and short interview to determine if the role is right for you.
4. Train: Attend comprehensive training provided by VASIA to prepare you for the responsibilities of guardianship.

What You Will Learn

VASIA's training ensures you are fully prepared to advocate for your client. Key training topics include:

• Guardianship Law 101: Understanding court procedures and alternatives to guardianship
• Conditions of Aging: Dementia, falls, incontinence, and their impact on capacity
• Navigating Benefits: Medicare, Medicaid, and paying for long-term care
• Community Resources: How to connect clients with local support services
• End-of-Life Care: Making compassionate and ethical decisions
• Code of Ethics: Confidentiality, informed consent, and least restrictive alternatives
• Adult Protective Services: What APS does and how to collaborate with them

What to Expect as a Volunteer

Most volunteers spend an average of six hours per month and set their own schedule. Responsibilities can include:

• Ensuring basic needs are met
• Managing health care and insurance
• Attending doctor’s appointments
• Overseeing living conditions in care facilities
• Managing client finances
• Acting as the client’s voice in legal and medical decisions

You may be the only consistent and compassionate presence in your client’s life. This is not just paperwork, it's purpose-driven work.

Support From VASIA

You're not alone. Volunteers receive:

• Access to training materials and refresher content
• Guidance from experienced staff and fellow advocates
• Ongoing educational opportunities and support networks

Take the First Step

If you've ever wondered whether your time and energy could make a real difference, the answer is yes. As a VASIA volunteer, you will protect, support, and uplift someone who truly needs you.

Start your journey today by visiting indianavasia.org/volunteer or contacting the District 17 VASIA Director, Lauren Rynerson, at lrynerson@johnsoncounty.in.gov.

You have the heart. We’ll provide the tools.