Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

Funded by the Australian Government

The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) exists from the foundation of our organization.  Over the years of its existence, it has helped hundreds of Russian-speaking people find new friends, avoid social isolation and maintain important connections with their cultural roots through communication in their native language.

Our ACVVS coordinator carefully matches volunteer with the client based on client’s interests, background, location and life experiences to provide companionship and support through engaging conversations. ACVVS visitors may visit the client and engage in a range of activities with him/her such as chatting, reading newspaper, playing card games, reading or go out for coffee or a meal together. No home duties or personal care required. Days and times can be varied to suit the volunteers availability.

At a time when social isolation can be felt by us all, the challenge can be even greater for those in our community who are most vulnerable. Even if we can’t visit in person, a phone call or video chat can make all the difference.

ACVVS is a Government funded program that matches a volunteer visitor with an senior living in an aged care facility or in their own home. The visits are regular, either weekly or fortnightly and purely social, with the intention of developing an ongoing friendship and social connectedness.

How do I Access Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)?

To be eligible for the ACVVS, you must be:

• living in Melbourne metropolitan regions
• recipient of  Home Care Packages (HCP)

How ACVVS works:

• After receiving your request, we begin to look for a suitable volunteer. We keep in constant contact with you and keep you updated on what is happening.
• The Program Coordinator attends the first visit with the volunteer. After that, the volunteer visits the client on their own. 
• The Program Coordinator maintains contact with clients and volunteers.
• All our volunteers undergo a mandatory Police Check and special training.

If I want to volunteer with elderly people, what should I do?