Aged Care Volunteering and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) booklet

Introduction

The booklet on aged care volunteering and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of volunteers in the aged care sector. It highlights the various roles volunteers can play, from providing companionship to assisting with daily tasks, and emphasises the positive impact these activities have on the physical and mental well-being of older people. The booklet also outlines the different types of volunteers, including formal and informal volunteers, and the specific requirements and pathways to becoming an aged care volunteer.

Benefits for Volunteer Managers

For volunteer managers, the booklet offers valuable insights into effectively recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers. It stresses the importance of planning and resourcing volunteer programs, understanding regulatory requirements, and designing roles that meet the needs of both the organisation and the volunteers. The booklet also highlights the need for appropriate volunteer insurance, induction and training, and access to a Volunteer Manager to ensure volunteers feel valued and supported.

Application by Volunteer Involving Organisations

Volunteer-involving organisations can apply the guidelines and best practices outlined in the booklet to enhance their volunteer programs. By following the recommendations, organisations can ensure that their volunteer programs are well-structured and meet the needs of both the volunteers and the older people they support. The booklet also provides information on the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, a program that supports regular volunteer visits to older people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds who may be at greater risk of social isolation.

Aged care volunteering and the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) booklet | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing