What It Means To Advocate For Seniors and Incapacitated Adults in Need
April 15, 2025 •VASIA of Johnson and Shelby Counties
Every person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported—especially those who are unable to advocate for themselves. Across Johnson and Shelby Counties, many seniors and incapacitated adults live without the guidance of family, the stability of a caregiver, or the security of legal protection. Whether due to advanced age, cognitive decline, disability, or mental illness, these individuals often find themselves alone in navigating complicated systems of care, with no one to speak on their behalf.
That’s where VASIA (Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults) steps in. Through this court-based public guardianship program, trained volunteers become a trusted voice in the court system and a vital link between vulnerable individuals and the support they need to live with dignity.
Who Are We Advocating For?
VASIA serves two primary populations:
- Seniors who have lost the ability to make informed decisions due to aging-related conditions such as dementia or physical frailty.
- Incapacitated adults under age 60 who face challenges related to developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, brain injuries, or chronic illness and are legally determined to be unable to manage their affairs.
The Role of a Volunteer Advocate
Volunteer advocates through VASIA are court-appointed guardians, entrusted with the responsibility of protecting both the well-being and rights of their assigned individuals. This role is not medical or hands-on, but focused on ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of someone who cannot make them independently.
Key responsibilities of a volunteer advocate include:
- Representing their ward in guardianship hearings and annual court reviews
- Making informed decisions about healthcare, housing, and personal care
- Collaborating with service providers, case managers, and legal professionals
- Monitoring living conditions to prevent neglect or abuse
- Acting as a bridge to community resources that improve the quality of life
Whether the individual is an elderly person in a care facility or a younger adult in a supported living environment, the advocate serves as both guardian and guardian angel, ensuring no one is forgotten.
Why Advocacy Is Crucial for Incapacitated Adults
While many people associate guardianship with aging, a significant portion of those in need are younger adults who experience lifelong disabilities or have suffered trauma that leaves them unable to manage on their own. These individuals often fall through the cracks of overburdened systems.
Without advocacy:
- Adults with mental illness may be placed in institutions or jails unnecessarily.
- Those with intellectual disabilities may lack access to appropriate services or safe housing.
- Brain injury survivors may struggle with basic decision-making but receive no legal protections.
A volunteer guardian helps restore stability to lives that might otherwise remain in chaos. By standing up for the rights and needs of incapacitated adults, VASIA volunteers fill a critical gap in Indiana’s care infrastructure—ensuring that those who cannot advocate for themselves are seen, heard, and protected.
The Power of Community Service
Volunteering as an advocate is a unique and meaningful way to give back. It’s not just about helping—it’s about becoming a trusted servant and protector in your community.
Volunteer advocates offer:
- Security to those who are vulnerable
- A voice in the court system for those who cannot speak for themselves
- Companionship to those who feel forgotten
- Justice to those who might otherwise be overlooked
The service may involve monthly visits, phone calls with care providers, and occasional court appointments, but the emotional and social impact is immeasurable. It is a chance to be part of something larger—to create real change in one person’s life.
How VASIA Supports Its Volunteers
Becoming a guardian might sound intimidating, but VASIA provides comprehensive training and continuous support for every volunteer. You don’t need a background in law or healthcare—just compassion, common sense, and a commitment to helping others.
The training program covers:
- Guardianship laws and ethical responsibilities
- Communication and decision-making techniques
- How to spot signs of neglect, abuse, or undue influence
- Navigating systems like Medicaid, housing, and social services
- Working with judges, attorneys, and professional service providers
Volunteers are never alone in their advocacy. VASIA staff, mentors, and a strong network of community partners are always available to guide and support each advocate.
Make a Lasting Difference
Each volunteer advocate changes the life of someone in need—sometimes in quiet, unseen ways, and sometimes by preventing real harm. Whether helping a senior stay in a familiar care home or ensuring a young adult receives mental health treatment instead of incarceration, the work is deeply meaningful.
By stepping into this role, you become:
- A protector of the vulnerable
- A stabilizing force in someone's life
- A compassionate representative in the legal system
- A servant-leader in your local community
Ready to learn how you can help seniors and incapacitated adults live with dignity and safety? Reach out to VASIA of Johnson and Shelby Counties to explore volunteer opportunities, training dates, and the application process.