SA Community Visitors Scheme
The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is an Australian Government funded program established since 1992 to promote links between older people living in an aged care facility or their own home and the wider community. The CVS targets older people who are socially or culturally isolated and aims to strengthen links back to their local community and enrich their quality of life through regular volunteer visits.
The Recipient
Recipients of Australian Government subsidised residential aged care services or Home Care Packages who also identify as one or more of the following may be eligible for the service.
- Do not have regular and reasonably frequent positive and engaged contact with friends or relatives;
- Feel isolated and lonely and would benefit from a volunteer's friendship/ companionship;
- Frailty or mobility or communication impairments prevent them from participating in social or leisure opportunities
- Are socially isolated or at risk of social isolation, including if they belong to a special needs group under the Aged Care Act 1977.
The Community Visitor
Community Visitors are volunteers who make time to carry out regular visits with and befriend a Recipient.
How the CVS is Funded
The CVS is funded by the Federal Government; who provides grants to various community-based organisations, known as auspices, throughout Australia to administer the CVS and support their Community Visitors. Each auspice has a CVS Coordinator whose responsibilities may include:
- Recruiting volunteer visitors and matching with a Recipient
- Ensuring visitors are orientated and provide support
- Provide training and information; and
- Liaise with aged care facilities and services regarding Recipient's needs for Community Visitors and the progress of current Community Visitors
Accessing the CVS
Aged care facilities and service providers may identify individuals who would be suitable for inclusion in the CVS (using the above eligibility guidelines) and contact their local CVS Auspice. Family members or others may also approach their aged care facility or service provider if they believe someone they know would benefit from receiving a Community Visitor. Enquiries can also be made via this website's Contacts page.
