<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p>
<p>One of the most important values in our culture is having the freedom to make decisions to direct our own lives. We choose to spend our money on the things that make us comfortable, choose who to spend time with and to what degree we are active in our community. Most of us take the ability to make these choices for granted. But what if you were unable to make those choices due to a physical or mental condition? Most of us trust that a family member or close friend would ‘step-up’ to make sure that we could still live the best life possible. But what if no one did?</p>
<p>Johnson County VASIA was formed in 2016 to meet the needs of an ever growing number of residents who can no longer make those decisions. Most of the people served live in nursing homes and have lost that ability to dementia, stroke, mental illness or another disability. All have been determined by a court to require a legal guardian. Guardianship is an awesome responsibility which, unfortunately, has often been misused. VASIA, or Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults, trains and monitors volunteers to assure that the unique responsibilities of guardianship serve the individual to provide as comfortable and fulfilling a life as possible.</p>
<p>Johnson County VASIA is privileged to have a great group of volunteers, but more are needed. After a few evenings of training, a VASIA volunteer will typically spend a couple of hours a month getting to know and advocating for one individual. Johnson County VASIA supports volunteers with on-going training opportunities and ‘back-up’ for when life’s obligations take their toll.</p>
<p>VASIA organizations receive support from the Indiana State Supreme Court and our local organization is fortunate to receive support from the Johnson County Commissioners and Superior Court I Judge Kevin Barton. I would also like to thank our Executive Director, Joe Erickson, Advisory Board Chairman Peter Jessen, and all my fellow board members for all of the time they have put into growing Johnson County VASIA in such a short time. But the greatest thanks go to our 19 volunteer advocates, who are now helping us serve 26 individuals in need.</p>
<p>If you would like to ‘step-up’ to advocate for a senior or incapacitated adult, please contact the Johnson County VASIA office at (317) 346-4414 or through our website at <a href="http://www.jcvasia.org">www.jcvasia.org</a>.</p>
<p><p style="text-align: right"><strong>Steve Bordenkecher</strong></p>
<p><p style="text-align: right"><strong>Johnson Co. VASIA Advisory Board member</strong></p>
<p><p style="text-align: right"><strong>Franklin</strong></p>
