The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is looking for fresh faces for its team. Photo: Australian Red Cross.
Loneliness does not discriminate – it affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender or social standing.
According to Monash University, one in five older Australians suffers from loneliness, with those over 65 often feeling rejected and abandoned.
To combat this growing epidemic, the Australian Red Cross is running the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) in the Riverina-Murray region.
“Research has found that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to the mental and physical health of older people as chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease,” said Sharon Hearn, support officer – aged care (Community Visitors) at the Australian Red Cross in Wagga Wagga.
“ACVVS connects older people who could benefit from more social contact with a caring volunteer visitor, who provides valuable friendship and companionship.
“The program aims to improve the lives of older people experiencing isolation and loneliness by re-establishing healthy social connections.”
Mary Vijendra, national manager of the Australian Red Cross Aged Care Visiting Program, told Region that loneliness was even more prevalent among people living in regional and remote areas.
“Some factors contributing to this include limited access to services, infrastructure and social opportunities,” Ms Vijendra said.
“In regional areas, there is limited access to diverse services, public transport and reliable internet connectivity, which affects one’s ability to connect, travel and access information.
“Older people may experience social isolation due to geographical distance and fewer community activities.”
Ms Vijendra said volunteer visits had made a significant difference in the lives of older people.
“Our program is staffed by volunteers, and the connections formed are a two-way street,” she said.
“Our volunteers and their matched participants benefit from the relationships they build.
“Our volunteers recognise the vital role they play in helping isolated people reconnect with their communities. They understand that their contribution goes beyond the individual and targets the broader problem of social isolation.”
The visitor program for the Riverina-Murray region is seeking new volunteers to visit older people in the area.
“We are looking for dedicated volunteers who want to support and sustain people in their local community,” Ms Vijendra said.
“By sparing an hour a week, volunteers can bring light, life and laughter into an elderly person’s life.
“All our volunteers receive ongoing training and engagement opportunities to ensure they are well equipped and stay actively connected.
“They are supported by Red Cross Aged Care visiting support officers, who provide ongoing assistance and address any questions or concerns.”
Ms Vijendra added that according to research from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, by 2041, the number of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to have grown by more than 50 per cent.
“The need for this service will only increase in the coming years,” she said. “The Australian Red Cross is passionate about and committed to ensuring this program continues to make a positive, long-lasting difference in the community by reaching out and reshaping the lives of older people.”
The qualities or skills required for volunteers are:
- Valuing connection, community, and the joy of giving back
- Enjoying spending time with older individuals
- Excellent conversation skills and enjoyment of meeting others
- Reliability, confidence and the ability to work independently
- Commitment to being a regular visitor (at least once a fortnight)
- Being aged over 18 and caring about supporting the wellbeing of older people experiencing loneliness or social isolation.
ACVVS is available to older people (over 65) who are living in a residential aged-care facility or their own homes and have been assessed for a Home Care Package.
Older people interested in having a volunteer visit can self-refer, or be referred by family, friends or service providers.
For more information on ACVVS, call Ms Hearn on 0447 269 559 or email her at [email protected].
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