AGED CARE VOLUNTEER
VISITOR SCHEME
Funded by the Australian Government
Following the Aged Care Royal Commission, the Australian Government has introduced an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme to provide friendship and companionship to isolated older people. Research has pointed to the health risks posed by social isolation.
“Older people are at an increased risk of social isolation due to a number of environmental factors, primarily the loss of physical or mental capacity or the loss of friends and family members. It is estimated that around 1 in 5 (19%) older Australians are socially isolated.” (Royal Commission Findings, 2021)
The scheme to help overcome social isolation, targets seniors who are eligible for Australian Government funded residential aged care and home care packages.
The Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) is one of the organisations selected to deliver the scheme in Western Australia. AfCAS is committed to people from culturally and linguistically (CaLD) backgrounds. The quality of life of CaLD seniors within our community is at the heart of the advocacy and services provided by AfCAS.
Language and cultural differences may increase the isolation of older CaLD people, especially those who return to their first language or dialect in their advanced years. Schemes like the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor can make a huge difference.
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For eligible aged care recipients
If you know someone who is receiving government-subsidised care and for whom English is not their first language, please refer them to us by completing the form below:
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For volunteer visitors
If you (or someone you know) has a non-English background or is bilingual and has two hours per month to visit a migrant senior, please complete the form below:
Image by Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care