How Much Time Does Volunteering Really Take?

One of the first questions we hear from people interested in volunteering with District 17 VASIA is:
“How much time does this actually take?”

The short answer: On average, about six hours per month per client.
That’s just a few hours each month to completely change someone’s quality of life.

As a volunteer guardian advocate, you serve adults in our community who are elderly or incapacitated, and who often have no family or friends available to help them make personal and medical decisions. You become their advocate, their protector, and in many cases, the only person looking out for their best interests.

What Does a Typical Month Look Like?

While the actual time commitment can vary depending on the specific needs of your assigned protected person, most volunteers spend about six hours per month engaged in various guardian activities.

Here’s a breakdown of what that time may include:

1. Monthly In-Person Visit (1–2 hours)

You are required to visit your assigned client at least once every 30 days. Most visits take place in a long-term care or nursing facility and last around an hour or two. During your visit, you’ll assess your client’s condition, check on their comfort and safety, and advocate for any needs they may have.

2. Documentation and Reporting (30 minutes)

After each visit, you’ll log your observations and any actions taken into our secure online system. These records help us monitor care and support from the court's perspective.

3. Care Plan Meetings and Communication (1–2 hours/month)

You may participate in quarterly care plan meetings with the nursing home or care facility team. You’ll also occasionally receive phone calls about the client’s care or needs. These calls and meetings ensure your client’s voice is heard and their needs are being properly met.

4. Errands or Special Needs (As Needed)

In some cases, your client may need help with small errands, like shopping for personal items or coordinating outside services. This is not always required and will depend on the situation.

Flexible and Manageable: Designed for Everyday Life

We understand that our volunteers have their own lives, families, and obligations. That’s why our guardian advocate program is designed to be flexible and manageable.

Visits are scheduled by you.
As long as you meet the 30-day requirement, you can plan your visit around your calendar.
Training is one-on-one and fits your schedule.
We provide five hours of individualized training at your convenience.
Most volunteers start with one client.
With just one assignment, the monthly time commitment is low, yet the reward is immense.

If you ever need to pause your service or reduce your involvement, our team will work with you. We’re committed to supporting you just as you support your client.

Real Advocacy, Real Rewards

Guardian advocates offer stability, dignity, and safety to people who are truly in need. Your six hours a month may be the only personal attention your client receives from someone outside the facility staff.

Volunteers tell us they gain far more than they give. The time commitment is small, but the emotional return is deep. Many find a renewed sense of purpose, connection, and meaning through this work.

Read more on our testimonials page to hear how our volunteers feel about their role.

How to Get Started

Getting started as a volunteer is easy. We’ll walk you through every step and provide full support.

Submit a Volunteer Application
Complete a brief interview
Pass a background check
Attend one-on-one training (5 hours)
Receive your first client assignment

You’ll be fully supported from day one, by staff who are just a phone call away.

Apply to Volunteer
Or call our District 17 office if you have questions or want to talk about whether this is right for you.

FAQ: Time Commitment for VASIA Volunteers

How many hours per month does volunteering take?
Most volunteers spend an average of six hours per month per client, though this may vary slightly based on client needs.

Can I choose how many clients I take on?
Yes. Most new volunteers start with one client. You can decide to take on additional clients only if you feel ready and able.

What happens if I have to miss a visit or go out of town?
Life happens. Just let us know ahead of time, and we’ll help coordinate support so your client’s needs are still met.

Is the training time-consuming?
No. Training takes five hours and is scheduled around your availability. It’s one-on-one and prepares you to be successful.

Do I need to be available at specific times?
No. You set your own schedule. As long as visits occur once per month and documentation is completed promptly, you can volunteer when it works for you.