Friends for Older People

The Community Visitors Scheme is part of the Commonwealth Government's initiatives to enhance the rights of older people living in residential aged care facilities.

A community visitor befriends residents of nursing homes who are considered to be lonely and who would like their own special visitor.

What Do Community Visitors Do?

As a community visitor, you will be asked to set aside some time to visit someone in an aged care facility. Depending on you, and the person you visit, you may spend this time keeping each other company and having a talk; or you might decide to go on outings to a gallery or a park…or any one of a number of activities.

Your visits will provide an important link between the resident and the wider community.

The effort you expend as a community visitor, sharing your interests and time, could help and older person in an aged care facility to enjoy life to its full potential.

The People You Would Visit

The Community Visitors Scheme is for those people living in nursing homes who have indicated that they would welcome a visitor.

If you decide to become a community visitor you will have the support of a community organization, which understands the Scheme and will help you to understand the needs of people living in a nursing home.

Every effort will be made to ensure that you get as much out of befriending someone as they will get out of your visits. Your community organization will try to find you someone to visit who has similar interests.

What Is The Community Visitors Scheme For?

• To improve the quality of life of residents in nursing homes;
  
• To assist residents to maintain their independence;
  
• To enhance residents' social contacts; and
  
• To minimize residents' isolation from the general community
  

If You:

• Would like to know more about the Community Visitors Scheme;
  
• Would like to become a visitor; or
  
• Know of a nursing home resident who would appreciate a visitor;
  

To find out more, contact:
Patti Clibbon
Ph. 4940 8244
Location. 13 Denison Street
Hamilton South 2303

Things to keep in mind

• Volunteers must conduct visits at least two times a month; the visit parameters including time and activity are open to the discretion of the volunteer
  
• Volunteers must be over the age of 18 years old
  
• 24 hour assistance is available through Patti Clibbon