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From 1 July 2023, we will deliver an expanded and newly named Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and funded through the Department of Health and Aged Care.
The program will be operating state-wide and will enable us to better meet the needs of older Victorians who are receiving aged care services and are experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
The program aims to build social connections through friendship and companionship provided by our caring volunteers.
Any older person who is living in an aged care home or who is approved and waiting for or receiving support in their own home through a home care package is welcome to contact us. Suppose you are an aged care provider, friend, or family member. In that case, you can also contact us to learn more about our Aged Care Volunteer Visitors and how friendships can improve the quality of life and help older people feel less isolated.
We try to match Volunteers and older people with similar interests, hobbies, backgrounds and preferences. Our ACVVS staff will manage all introductions and keep in touch to ensure the older person enjoys the friendship. The Volunteer will contact both parties regularly, weekly or fortnightly at a convenient time. A visit can include planned activities and outings, or the older person may prefer to receive a phone call, a virtual meeting online or a posted letter. The choice is theirs.
Our Volunteers have a genuine interest in easing the social isolation experienced by so many older people and an understanding of the complex health issues they face. They possess practical social skills and can listen, empathise and engage with older people from marginalised groups.Making a Difference
If you are reliable, confident and caring, and want to contribute positively to an older person’s life, then you could be a great volunteer visitor, so please make contact for further information.