Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA), an organisation which provides information and advocacy support to older people, their families, and representatives in Victoria, will launch the expansion of its Community Visitors Scheme, now known as the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), from July 1st.
This expansion comes in response to the recommendations put forth by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and is made possible through funding from the Department of Health and Ageing.
Megan Collisson, Volunteers Coordinator at Elder Rights Advocacy, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s free state-wide implementation, saying, “We are thrilled to be able to extend our reach across Victoria. The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme will allow us to better cater to the needs of older Victorians receiving aged care services, who often face feelings of loneliness and social isolation.”
“We are hoping to provide around 785 matches across residential care and for older people still living at home receiving aged care services across Victoria. The volunteers will have the opportunity to visit older persons weekly or fortnightly.
“This program is intimate with a grassroots approach, and we are determined to reach out to all older people across the state with a focus on those who identify as belonging to a marginalised group or for who English is a second language,” Ms Collisson said.
The primary objective of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is to establish and nurture social connections by providing friendship and companionship through ERA’s dedicated volunteers. Through this initiative, Elder Rights Advocacy aims to alleviate the adverse effects of social isolation experienced by older people.
Debra Nicholl (pictured), CEO, Elder Rights Advocacy, emphasised the importance of the program.
“Meaningful connections are vital to combatting social isolation among older people. Our enhanced scheme ensures that we match volunteers with similar interests, backgrounds, and preferences, fostering genuine relationships that improve the quality of life for older people,” said Ms Nicholl.
“There are a raft of reasons where isolation and loneliness is occurring for so many older Victorians. They may have limited contact with friends or relatives, they may have lost connections with their culture or heritage, or their health challenges may prevent them from taking part in social or leisure activities.
“Therefore, it is fundamental that ERA continues to take a proactive approach in supporting those who need friendship, conversation and connection the most.
“We will not only provide face-to-face connections but also will include phone calls, virtual contact or even send letters. We can be flexible in our approach to achieve a positive outcome,” she said.
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is open to any older person residing in an aged care home or awaiting or receiving support in their own home through a home care package.
Friends, family members, and aged care providers are also encouraged to reach out to Elder Rights Advocacy to learn more about the program and how these valued friendships can positively impact the lives of older individuals, reducing their sense of isolation.
Volunteers are carefully selected and possess a sincere desire to alleviate social isolation faced by older people, along with a deep understanding of the complex health challenges they may encounter. Equipped with practical social skills, volunteers will listen, empathise and engage with older people in a way that best suits the older person.
“If you are a reliable, confident, and caring individual seeking to make a positive difference in an older person’s life, we encourage you to join us as a volunteer visitor. Your contribution can bring immense joy and companionship to someone in need,” said Ms Collisson.
To learn more about the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and to register your interest as a volunteer or refer an older person for this program, please contact Elder Rights Advocacy at 1800 700 600 or visit https://elderrights.org.au/.
