Funded by the Australian Government
Funded by the Australian Government
About the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) is a free service which helps older people:
- living in Residential Aged Care Facilities
- living in their own homes approved for or receiving a Home Care Package
It aims to support older people in maintaining social connections through having a volunteer visit them once a week or once a fortnight.
The Scheme is a Federal Government initiative which was developed as one way of enhancing the quality of life of older people who are socially isolated by providing one to one friendship and companionship on a regular basis.
There are many organisations across Australia that coordinate ACVVS which provides thousands of volunteer visitors nationally. Southern Volunteering (SA) Inc is one of the providers of the scheme in the Southern area of Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Volunteer Visitors
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors are generally people wanting to make a difference to an older person’s life and have a passion to support the needs of their community. All Volunteer Visitors are reliable and caring, with a genuine empathy and understanding of older people.
Volunteers are matched with an older person and visit them a minimum of once a fortnight, with many visiting on a more regular basis. Visits can include anything from sharing a cup of tea, going for a walk, playing board games, reading together, listening to music, participating in activities, or simply just having a chat.
The time commitment can vary from 30 minutes up to 2 hours depending on many factors including the older person’s health, and their ability to sustain conversation or company. The day and time of volunteers visits is arranged between the volunteer, the older person, and potentially the Aged Care Facility.
Becoming a Volunteer Visitor
This short video demonstrates the rewards of becoming a ACVVS volunteer.
Things you need to become a Volunteer Visitor include:
- A mature outlook, good communication and listening skills
- Minimum of 18 years of age
- Be reliable and able to commit to visit regularly once a week or fortnight
- Willing to make a minimum commitment of 6 months (understandably some visits may be impacted by holidays and sickness)
- Willing to obtain a National Police Clearance or Crim Check (we can help arrange this at no cost to you)
- Willing to provide referees and have character reference checks conducted
- Able to work independently and with some flexibility
- Be non-judgmental and welcoming to people from all backgrounds and cultures.
To take the next step, you can either apply online here or contact the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme Coordinator on 08 8326 0020 or email admin@svsa.org.au
Requesting a Volunteer Visitor
Visits are available to older people who receive, or who are approved for, government-subsidised Residential Aged Care or Home Care Packages, and are socially isolated.
If you are interested in requesting a volunteer visitor, either for yourself or for a friend or family member you can do so online here or by contacting the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme Coordinator on 08 8326 0020 or by emailing admin@svsa.org.au.
Where the older person is living in an Aged Care Facility, you may also request a visitor through the Aged Care Facility. A representative from the Aged Care Facility will then contact our ACVVS Coordinator and help to arrange a ACVVS Volunteer Visitor. This helps us to coordinate the volunteer with the Facility’s visitation regulations and volunteer requirements.
South Australia ACVVS Network Member
From January 2019 Southern Volunteering has been appointed the State Network Member for South Australia.
ACVVS providers in South Australia (called Auspices) belong to a strong network, where they assist each other, share knowledge and have one voice in communicating with the Government on matters of importance. The State Network Member works to maintain and strengthen the links between ACVVS Auspices in the state, facilitates effective communication and consultation between the ACVVS Auspices and the Government Department, and provides leadership in the following areas:
- Providing a forum for information exchange between ACVVS auspices
- Providing Coordinator support (particularly to new Coordinators)
- Encouraging a consistent approach to ACVVS issues of state or national relevance
- Informing the department of systemic program issues
- Handling enquiries from Aged Care Service providers and the public (so to be the Central Point for general enquiries)
For further information contact the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme Coordinator on 08 8326 0020 or email coordacvvs@svsa.org.au
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme was previously known as the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). The change to the program name came into effect on 1/7/2023. The ACVVS is a continuation of the CVS program, and will continue to provide the same invaluable service to older people as it has for over 30 years.
To arrange an appointment, or to chat with one of our friendly staff, please always ring or email the relevant service first and we will ensure the most appropriate staff member is available to help you.
METRO SOUTH SERVICE
FLEURIEU PENINSULA SERVICE
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