Give Back to an Elder in Your Community

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The Center for At Risk Elders (CARE) Inc., is a lawyer lead team of advocates guarding Indiana's neglected, abused and exploited elders. The Volunteer Advocate Program is our flagship program.

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

At CARE, we believe that well-trained volunteers can meet a tremendous need we have in our community. Far too many adults and elders are unable to make quality decisions as a result of an incapacity. In these cases, a guardian is needed, yet a significant number have no family or friend who is appropriate to serve as guardian. This is where the Volunteer Advocates Program comes in.

CARE matches Volunteer Advocates one-on-one with men and women in need of a guardian. As you consider applying to become a Volunteer Advocate, is important for you to first consider the role and responsibilities of a Volunteer Advocate prior to submitting your application.

This volunteer opportunity is not suited to everyone.

• A crisis such as hospitalization, need for nursing home placement, or family abuse necessitates the need for a guardian. End-of-life decision-making may be a need.
• The required initial training totals approximately 3 hours and additional continuing education throughout the year is also offered. A one-year commitment to program is required and you can expect to devote 2-10 hours a month working with your ward.
• Confidentiality is an absolute must and conflicts of interest must be avoided.

Some of the things you can expect to be doing include:

• Consent to medical treatments such as procedures, hospitalizations, and medication changes;
• After consulting with the Program Director, consent to end-of-life treatment decisions such as DNR orders or withdrawal or withholding of certain treatments;
• Facilitate medical services and ensuring routine medical care such as dental visits, eye appointments, foot care, hair appointments are received.
• Work with social workers or caseworkers to make the best living arrangements.
• Sign admission papers at the extended care facility. In some cases, having the ward transferred to another facility.
• Volunteer Advocates are NOT be responsible for handling money and are NOT be financially responsible for the patient!

We hope this gives you an overview of our program and that after considering these responsibilities, you choose to apply to become a Volunteer Advocate.

For More Information

Contact Jen Miller, Volunteer Coordinator

317-955-2790 / jen@indianacare.org