CVS
Community Visitors Scheme (CVS)
The Community Visitors Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and plays a vital role in providing companionship for older people who are isolated in their own homes or in Aged Care Homes.
Eligible recipients must reside in an Australian Government Aged Care Home, be receiving or waitlisted for a home care package.
CVS is a two-way program designed to add to the quality of life of a resident and enhance your feelings through community involvement. Having a community visitor can increase the self-esteem and general well being of the recipients. With as little a one hour a fortnight you can make the world of difference in someone’s life. Becoming a community visitor and befriending a resident can be both fun and rewarding for both of you.
What does a community visitor do?
• Share life stories
• Share a hobby, interest, or activity
• Have a cuppa and a chat
• Read or listen to a book or the newspaper
• Take a walk or go on an outing
• Enjoy watching a TV Show or movie together
• Take a family pet or children to visit
• Phone calls /Video calls
Riverina Community College is operating the CVS program with volunteers visiting elderly recipients living within the communities of Wagga Wagga and surrounds. We currently have volunteers in Wagga Wagga, Junee, Cootamundra, Temora, Tumut, Gundagai, The Rock, Lockhart, Narrandera, Coolamon, and Ariah Park.
The aims of the CVS program:
• Improve the quality of life of the care recipient
• Increase self-esteem and well being
• Reduce the feelings of anxiety
• Reduce the feelings of isolation & loneliness
• Increase the feelings of connectivity to the community
How do we support our Volunteer Visitors?
Our volunteer visitors are the backbone of this program. We value our visitors and provide induction training and ongoing support. We provide information and opportunities for optional training and social interaction between volunteers.
The Riverina Community College is looking for volunteer community visitors who can provide as little as one hour a fortnight to visit a resident who may be at risk of experiencing isolation due to family, social, cultural reasons, or a disability. Now more than ever we need your help to keep in touch with our elderly recipients.