About the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
Funded by the Australian Government, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) provides companionship for older people living in aged care homes or in their own homes with a Support at Home package (formally known as Home Care Package).
Formerly known as the Community Visitors Scheme, we help recruit, train and support volunteers, who are the backbone of this program. It provides vital companionship for people who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness who are:
- Living in government-funded aged care homes
- Living in their own homes and receiving a Support at Home Package (formally known as Home Care Package).
The program connects older people with volunteers for ongoing companionship. The time you spend with someone helps bring meaning and joy to their day.
Register your interest in volunteering
Reasons why older people may become isolated
There are many reasons why older people may become isolated, including:
- An impairment or inability to participate in social or leisure activities.
- A lack of meaningful or regular social interactions with friends, relatives or the community.
- Isolation from culture and heritage, including people from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, such as Indigenous Australians.
What you can do as a volunteer visitor?
When you volunteer, you share quality time together in-person, either one-on-one or in a group setting. If the older person lives in their own home, volunteers will visit them there. Possible activities include:
- Share stories, read or listen to a book
- Share a hobby, interest or activity
- Enjoy a cup of tea and a chat
- Take a walk or go on an outing
- Watch a TV show with someone
- Bring your children or a family pet to visit
Who can become an aged care volunteer visitor?
You can become a volunteer visitor if you are:
- Aged 18 years or over
- Committed to building and sustaining a friendship with an isolated older person
- Reliable and flexible
- Able to commit to weekly or fortnightly visits for a minimum of six months
- Empathetic, understanding and enjoy spending time with older people
How we support our volunteers
We provide our volunteers with induction training and ongoing support, information and opportunities for optional training. We deliver induction training online or we can provide you with a workbook.
Become an aged care volunteer visitor
Apply to become a ACVVS volunteer by filling out our online form below. If you have any questions about how the program works, call us on 03 9845 2729 or email ACVVSAdmin@msplus.org.au
You can also explore our other volunteering opportunities.
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