The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is a vital initiative aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life for seniors in Australia. Managed by the Australian government, this program recognises the importance of companionship and social connection for older Australians.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the ACVVS. They generously devote their time to visiting aged care recipients, providing companionship and a friendly ear. These interactions foster meaningful relationships and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that some seniors may experience.

To be eligible for the ACVVS, individuals must be aged care recipients who are at risk of loneliness or social isolation. This includes seniors living in aged care homes or receiving Home Care Packages. Additionally, volunteers should be willing to commit to regular visits and undergo relevant training and background checks.

The impact of this scheme goes far beyond the surface. It provides a platform for the sharing of stories, experiences, and wisdom between generations. The volunteers, often from various walks of life, learn valuable life lessons and gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of older Australians to our society and culture.

Moreover, the ACVVS has been shown to have numerous positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. Studies have indicated that regular social interactions can lead to a reduction in stress levels and an increased sense of purpose and belonging.

The scheme not only benefits the senior participants but also enriches the lives of volunteers. It offers them an opportunity to give back to the community, learn from the wisdom of older generations, and develop valuable skills in communication and empathy.

By bridging generational gaps and fostering a sense of belonging, the ACVVS contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate society. It exemplifies the Australian government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its senior citizens.

In a rapidly aging population, programs like the ACVVS are invaluable in creating a society where every individual, regardless of age, feels valued, supported, and connected. Through these efforts, we build a stronger, more compassionate community for all. The ACVVS stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying the potential for positive change through simple acts of kindness and connection.

For more information on the program, go to the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme website.

For more information on your eligibility for a Home Care Package, go to the My Aged Care website.

Sufficient nutrition is important for all Australians. However, for seniors the foods and drinks that create a healthy diet may be significantly different from when you were younger. Healthy eating doesn’t have to change that much with age, especially if you already have a nutritious diet. You simply need to be aware of your own specific nutrition requirements and adjust
your food choices, to enable your body to receive the nourishing food it deserves to maintain a healthy living.

Luckily there are plenty of useful resources outlining nutritional and healthy diets for all ages. The best place to find this
resource is at the Australian Dietary Guidelines website.

Australian Dietary guidelines:

• Eat a wide variety of foods from the five food groups: plenty of colourful vegetables, legumes/beans; fruit; grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and high fibre varieties; lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds; milk, yoghurt, cheese or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.
• Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans: a standard serve is 500–600 kilojoules; for example, 65 grams cooked lean red meats or two large eggs.

• Grain foods: a standard serve is 500 kilojoules; for example, one slice of bread or ½ cup cooked porridge. At least two-thirds of choices should be wholegrain varieties.
• Milk, yoghurt and cheese or alternatives: a standard serve is 500–600 kilojoules; for example, a cup of milk or ¾ cup yoghurt.

The importance of healthy meals when you’re over 65

For seniors, you may find it difficult to get out to purchase groceries, or you may feel as though your appetite has reduced or disappeared. Health issues may also make it difficult to maintain healthy eating or enjoy eating. Try to see every meal and snack as a chance to give your body maximum nutrition (like vitamins, minerals, and fibre) – and as a social activity you can enjoy with others if possible.

If you require help with shopping, meal preparation or finding nutritional meals, make sure to bring up these issues with your care partner or call Trilogy Care 1300 459 190 to help you find a suitable solution.

When home modifications are required to improve your safety, accessibility, and independence within the home, they may be able to be funded from your Home Care Package.  Home modifications can also assist in creating a home environment that supports reablement and restorative practices.

It is important that modifications are only completed at your primary residence.  If your primary residence is rented or on a strata title you will also need to obtain consent from the property owner or operator, and a copy of this consent must be provided to us when requesting the modifications.

There are two types of Home Modifications:

Simple Home Modifications are primarily non-structural modifications and may include:

• Access and egress pathways through a property.
• Lever tap sets or level door handles.
• Grab rails and handrails.
• Safety aids and assistive technology.
• Step modifications.

Complex Home Modifications are only able to be funded in some clinically justified circumstances and may include:

• Lowering or removing shower hobs.
• Changes to layouts or doorways for wheelchair accessibility.
• Lowering kitchen benchtops.
• Hand-held showers or sliding shower rails.
• Replacing shower doors with weighted curtains.
• Installation of threshold ramps or doorway wedges.

Requesting Home Modifications

There are four steps to follow when requesting home modifications.

Step One - Request an in-home functional assessment:

To request home modifications for funding from your Home Care Package you must first engage an Occupational Therapist (or other allied health professional acting within their scope) to complete an in-home functional assessment and write a comprehensive report containing their observations and recommendations.

Step Two - Source Quotes:

You must obtain a minimum of two formal quotes prior to entering into any agreement or contract relating to the proposed modification. The quotes must directly correspond with the recommendations and specifications provided in the report from your in-home functional assessment.

Both simple and complex home modifications must be completed in line with the 'Building Code of Australia' and the relevant State or Territory building regulations. Builders must be licensed to complete the proposed works and must hold the appropriate level of insurance.

Step Three - Obtain Funding Approval:

Once you have the professional recommendations and corresponding quotes, please contact your Care Partner to initiate the funding assessment. We will send you an online form to complete which will enable us to review your request in line with the intention and scope of the Home Care Package and your individual care plan and goals. We will let you know if there is anything further we need to allow us to consider the funding request.

As soon as we have finalised our assessment, we will communicate the outcome to you in writing.

Step Four - Enter Into A Contract

If the cost of the proposed modifications exceed $3,000 and you have received funding approval from Trilogy Care, the homeowner and the builder must enter an appropriate contract prior to any works commencing. The contract must set out all details of the works (specifications, fittings, fixtures, etc.), price, timings, materials, variations, and dispute mechanisms. We strongly encourage you to obtain professional advice before entering any build contract.

If the amount in the contract differs from the amount quoted to you, a funding re-assessment is required.

Step  Five - Commence Works:

Once Trilogy Care has confirmed that the contract between the homeowner and the builder is an acceptable form, we will confirm that works can commence. Invoices issued under the contract terms, which may include a deposit and progress payments, will be paid as received provided they are in accordance with the signed contract for the works.

In the event of any dispute relating to the delivery of the works the package recipient must contact Trilogy Care as soon as possible.

For more information navigating the Home Care Package program, contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 or email info@trilogycare.com.au.