VOLUNTEER VISITOR SERVICES   

  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

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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. 

  What is the Community Visitors Scheme?  

The Community Visitors' Scheme (CVS) matches volunteers with residents living in Aged Care Facilities, or those in receipt of a Home Care Package, to provide social support and companionship. This Australian Government initiative aims to reduce the social isolation and loneliness experienced by many older residents in our community. 

Who can use this service?
This free service is available for people living in Aged Care Facilities, or people living in their own home with the support of a Home Care Package. 

What does this service offer?
Volunteers visit residents weekly or fortnightly to provide friendship and social support, enhance their connection to the wider community and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.  Visits can be spent doing many different things including, but not limited to:
- having a chat over a cuppa 
- looking through photos, reading, doing crosswords, puzzles or letter writing
- exploring the internet, video calling relatives or friends
- watching a favourite movie, TV show or listening to music
- going for a walk in the garden
- visiting a local café, shops or library

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What does the service cost?

There is no cost - Community Visitors is a free service for people living in Aged Care Facilities, or people living in their own home with a Home Care Package.

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How can I access this service?
Anyone can refer someone to the Community Visitors Scheme, for example, referrals can come from relatives or friends, Aged Care Facility staff, Aged Care providers, doctors, or you can refer yourself if you would like a CVS visitor. Referrals do not need to go through My Aged Care.

Please contact us for more information and for assistance to access this service.

  What support do Volunteers receive?   

For both services, Volunteers are matched with residents, taking into account shared interests, hobbies, backgrounds and life experiences. Training is provided to Volunteers to ensure awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs of residents. 

Other support provided for Volunteers includes:
-  Regular informal support meetings and training seminars are provided
-  Reimbursement for out-of pocket expenses
-  Contact with the larger Belong Blue Mountains community
-  Contact and support from the CVS Co-ordinator

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Our volunteers are rewarded through the sharing of a resident’s rich and interesting life and many lasting friendships are made.

Please contact us for more information or if you would like to consider becoming a volunteer.