What is the Volunteer Home Visitors Program?
The Volunteer Home Visitors service is a social visiting service that provides trained volunteers who give their time to visit clients in their homes. It assists people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, and to maintain their independence. The service also provides a vital link between residents who are at risk of becoming socially isolated and their local community.
Who can use this service?
The Volunteer Home Visitors service can help frail older people who would benefit from assistance of a Volunteer Home Visitor. This service is for people who are:
- aged 65 years or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people
- living in their own home
- and not in receipt of either a My Aged Care 'Home Care Package' or an NDIS plan
What does this service offer?
Our trained volunteers visit and call residents on a weekly or fortnightly basis and may include:
- having a chat over a cuppa
- reading, especially for residents who have a visual impairment
- pick up and return of books and resources from the local Library
- writing and addressing mail, assisting with personal shopping and paying bills
- accompanied activities like walking, visiting local cafes and shops, social groups, bus trips
- support for carers
- information, advocacy and referrals
What does the service cost?
There is no formal cost structure for Volunteer Home Visitor services, but a small contribution will be negotiated with you based on the activity needed and what you can afford, to help reimburse our volunteers for their petrol expenses.
How can I access this service?
All new clients must first be registered with My Aged Care. We can help you with this process if needed. Once we receive a referral from My Aged Care, we will contact you to arrange a time to meet and make an initial assessment of your needs. If we can help, we will then match you with a trained volunteer who fits with your needs and your interests.
Please contact us for more information and for assistance to access this service.