As of the 1st of July 2023, The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) replaced the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). The ACVVS aims to provide a free resource for older Australians, particularly those at risk of being socially isolated, that connects them with volunteers.
Sourcing volunteers
Should you sign up to receive a volunteer, the ACVVS will help to pair you with a like-minded volunteer. You and your volunteer will have the opportunity to spend time together, chatting and doing various activities.
Volunteers are matched with care recipients who would benefit from their interaction. For example, a care recipient who prefers to speak French would be paired with a volunteer who can also speak French. In this way, the ACVVS allows you to match with a volunteer who is aligned to your cultural or linguistic background, or who has interests similar to yours.
Unfortunately, older Australians can feel isolated for a variety of reasons, and the ACVVS program allows you to connect with volunteers who can help you reconnect with your culture, heritage, or community.
In addition to providing a social experience, your ACVVS volunteers can help you engage in your favourite activities, prevent you from feeling lonely, and allow you to discuss your feelings and concerns.
Why use the ACVVS?
Studies have shown that the ACVVS positively contributes to the lives of Australians with a Home Care Package on both a mental and emotional level. Regular social interaction, particularly with a trusted volunteer, can help you feel a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and prevent stress.
The Department of Health and Aged Care currently funds more than 140 community organisations that provide trained volunteers for social experiences with older people. Volunteers are sourced from aged care services providers and health professionals, but family and friends are also encouraged to participate. This means that there is a large number of volunteers for you to be paired with, based on what you’d like to achieve from the program.
Aged care providers’ role
Aged care providers have an essential role in the ACVVS. With direct access to care recipients, it is crucial for aged care providers to inform you of the ACVVS, and your ability to access beneficial volunteer services.
In addition, aged care providers must:
- Refer eligible care recipients to ACVVS (particularly those from a diverse background)
- Remain in communication with the ACVVS volunteer manager should circumstances change with the care recipient
Providers should also be aware that:
- ACVVS volunteers should be considered similarly to visiting friends or family members, including visiting hours on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays
- Do not need to complete a service agreement between the ACVVS organisation and the Home Care Package provider
Your care provider will always work to ensure that you are matched with a volunteer who will help enrich your life and achieve your goals.
ACVVS volunteers’ role
- Volunteers are essential to the ACVVS; without their assistance, the scheme would be unsuccessful. Importantly, volunteers must attend at least 20 visits a year with the same care recipient to ensure a strong relationship is developing.
ACVVS volunteers should also be aware that they must:
- Complete a national police check
- Work within their ACVVS organisation’s rules and policies (not the Home Care Package provider)
- Are not to access a care recipient’s personal or care records
- Continue to work with the same care recipient
Volunteers are available to spend time with you; whether you want to play a card game, go for a walk, or just chat.
ACVVS volunteer managers’ role
ACVVS volunteer managers, or Auspice Coordinators, are the link between Home Care Package Providers and ACVVS volunteers. They play a vital role within the scheme, and their key tasks are to:
- Recruit, train, and provide support for volunteers
- Increase awareness of the ACVVS
- Maintain an open line of communication between the ACVVS organisation and Home Care Package Providers they work with
- Work to resolve any issues or concerns raised by volunteers, care providers or care recipients
- Ensure volunteers are matched with an appropriate older person
Volunteer managers ensure that your ACVVS experience is always running smoothly. If you ever experience a problem with a volunteer, your volunteer manager is the person to speak to.
Accessing the service
The ACVVS is an important service that provides much-needed social care to older Australians who have a Home Care Package. If, at any time, you feel isolated or lonely, organising a friendly volunteer is only a phone call away.
The scheme is a great opportunity for you to connect with similar people and make new friends.
For more information on the ACVVS, visit this site or contact your Home Care Package Provider.
If you think you or someone you know may benefit from an ACVVS volunteer, visit this site or register to volunteer here.
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