The CVS fills an important role in communities by ensuring elderly residents in need of companionship and a friendly face feel cared for and connected within their community.
CVS volunteer visitors befriend residents living in an aged care facility, or their own residence.
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Through regular visits they spend time working on a hobby together, having a cuppa and a chat, or if the care recipient is able, they might go on a walk or outing together.
In many cases, whole families become involved in visiting residents, improving social connectedness, building valuable relationships and rapport — often between generations.
COVID restrictions have encouraged innovation in engaging with residents of the community while our local nursing homes went into lockdown.
Many volunteers developed creative strategies to continue their connection during this time, often sending handwritten letters, or recording videos or making homemade goods to give to their friend.
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Volunteering is a benefit to both the resident and the volunteer.
The volunteers are able to broaden their own social groups and create deeper connections among the community.
Kathy Dodgshun has been a volunteer with the CVS program for more than six months.
She joined just as Victoria went into the first COVID-19 lockdown.
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Matched with 87-Year-old Betty, who has lived at Rangeview Nursing Home for the past 12 months, Ms Dodgshun and her 11-year-old son Xavier have built a strong bond with their new friend over a short period of time.
Nanette Collins, who is CVS project officer at The Centre, said Betty had no family members in the area.
“The CVS program has given her a sense of joy and fulfilment to have a special friend visit on a regular basis,” Ms Collins said.
“The rapport that has been built in such a short time . . . is really quite special and heart-warming.
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“It truly reminds us of how valuable this program is to both residents and volunteers alike in our community.”
Ms Dodgshun said she and Xavier really enjoyed visiting Betty.
“I think it's beautiful to share stories (with Betty). To me it is nice to give back and is a really nice way to be involved in our wider community.”
Xavier said he enjoyed visiting Betty with his mum.
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“Visiting Betty reminds me of when I used to visit my nan,” Xavier said.
“I really love talking to her about football.”
Sandi Beel is a diversional therapist at Rangeview Nursing Home and said the CVS program had been very successful.
“The benefit to the resident of having a community visitor is the enjoyment of the social interaction and the bond that is formed,” Ms Beel said.
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“The visits provide the opportunity for reminiscing and assist to maintain a sense of community connection.”
If you are interested in finding our more about the Community Visitors Scheme or becoming a volunteer, you can contact The Centre on 1300 843 236 or visit this link.
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