Publications
Information on Community Visitors Scheme for consumers
Further Information on the Community Visitors Scheme.
Community Visitors Scheme Links
More about the referral process:
When a resident of an aged care home is identified as being suitable for having a Community Visitor, the manager of the home or a friend/relative should contact the local Scheme Coordinator.The Coordinator will match the resident with an appropriate visitor, looking at things like the resident’s background, interests, hobbies, like and dislikes, languages spoken and so on.
If you know someone whose quality of life would be enriched by friendly visits, you may wish to contact the Scheme.
More about what CVS auspices do:
The Community Visitors Scheme is funded through grants provided to approved auspices to administer the Scheme in a particular area. There are a number of ethno-specific and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) auspices, which provide services to residents from particular cultural backgrounds or who speak a language other than English.The success of the Community Visitors Scheme depends on auspices, visitors and aged care homes working together.
More about being a community visitor:
Some residents of aged care homes don't have regular contact with relatives or friends from outside the aged care home.As a community visitor, you add to the quality of life of the resident by being a companion and friend.
Community visitors visit the resident at least once a fortnight. The visitor and the resident may like to read, chat, do crosswords, reminisce, or listen to music. If the resident is able, they might take a walk or go on an outing.
You can help the resident feel more involved in their community. You may also provide assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as mailing letters, if you wish to and if this is appropriate.
This sort of assistance should only be such as a friend would give, and only if you are comfortable doing so.
For further information about being a community visitor, you can:
- read the Community Visitors – Friends for Older People: Information for Visitors brochure
- phone the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or contact your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222* (*mobile calls are charged at applicable rates).
