Social Support Volunteer - Friend to Older Person
St Jude's Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)- Southern and Western Suburbs, Adelaide – Cowandilla SA
This position is part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, which is a government funded program. The scheme has been running for over 30 years, but was previously known as the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).
Volunteers with this program are asked to commit a minimum of 1 hour per fortnight (but preferably 1 hour per week) to make face-to-face contact with the older person that they are visiting.
Activities undertaken during visits can vary according to the older person's interests and wellness. This can include chatting, undertaking a favourite activity such as listening to music, pottering around the garden, going for a walk or even having a coffee out.
Volunteers are supported by the Volunteer Coordinator and are reimbursed for expenses directly related to their visits. The Coordinator helps to match volunteers to an older person seeking visits and supports the initial contacts.
There is no aged care experience required for this role, but genuine empathy and respect for older people are essential. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
All volunteers are required to have National Police Clearance. If you would like to apply but don't have a Clearance, we can assist you apply for one, and cover the costs of the application. Some, but not all, care facilities will ask that volunteer visitors have had a flu or COVID vaccination.
The role of a ACVVS volunteer is to provide regular contact, friendship and companionship to an older person who may be feeling isolated or alone, and who is living in an Aged Care Facility or in their own home and receiving homecare services.
The aim of ACVVS is to
* enhance the older person's quality of life
* help them to feel more connected with their community
* encourage the older person's involvement in social activities and community outings (if appropriate).
Visits should be conducted at regular intervals throughout the year and be conducted in person (face to face) wherever possible. Contact can also be maintained through phone calls, letters, cards and electronic means where appropriate and when face to face visits are not possible for a short period. Volunteers engaged by ACVVS auspices must be at least 18 years of age.
ACVVS Volunteers are required to:
* work within the policies and procedures set out by St Judes Brighton, SA
* participate in any required training to help ensure a safe and happy visiting experience for both the volunteer and the person they visit
* make visits and stay in contact with the older person on a regular basis
* adhere to the Aged Care Facility conditions of entry and rules when visiting there
* advise the ACVVS Coordinator of the dates and time of visits
* respect the rights of the person they visit and comply with the Code of Ethics for aged care volunteers
* inform the ACVVS coordinator if they are experiencing any difficulties with visiting
* be mindful of their own Work Health Safety
* report any unsafe visiting environments to the ACVVS coordinator as soon as practical
* notify the ACVVS coordinator of any accident or incident that occurs whilst visiting as soon as they can
* report any concerns regarding possible abuse or neglect to the ACVVS coordinator as soon as possible
* Inform the ACVVS coordinator of intention to stop visiting on a temporary or permanent basis
* exercise a duty of care at all times
ACVVS Volunteers are not to:
* Assist a resident with transfers, mobilisation, medications, toileting or dressing or the provision of other care service such as wound dressings, showering or shaving
* Monitor standards provided at an aged care facility or by an aged care service provider
* Be involved in investigating or following up complaints
* Take the place of relationships between the older person and their family, staff or other relationships
* Have access to the older person's care or personal records or become involved in the financial affairs of the older person
* Interfere with the day-to-day running of the aged care facility or the delivery of home care services
* act as part of an activity program team in aged care facilities, unless the activity is a component of their visit with the person
* Replace nursing, activities or therapy staff in aged care facilities home care services.
* Make public comment or media statements regarding their role or the information learned as part of their role without specific permission
* Retain photographic records relating to their ACVVS role without specific permission.
Category Seniors & Aged Care
Commitment Regular - more than 6 months
Type Of Work Companionship & Social Support, Seniors & Aged Care
Time Required A minimum of 1 hour per week or 2 hours per fortnight
Training Available on-line and in person as required
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