Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you need to visit?
One hour a fortnight is all that is required.
Do all volunteers require a police check?
Yes, all volunteers aged 18 and older require a National Police check. Some organisations may also require additional police checks.
Do volunteers require any other documents in addition to police checks?
Any volunteer who was a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Australia after the age of 16 is required to sign a Statutory Declaration.
A visitor in Australia must sign a Memorandum of Understanding between themselves and the organisation they seek to represent.
What training is required for CVS volunteers?
The organisation you volunteer with will provide basic training and orientation to ensure that you can confidently take on the role and are aware of your responsibilities.
What types of visits are available under the CVS?
There are three types of visits:
- A one on one visit by a volunteer visitor to a care recipient in an Australian Government subsidised residential aged care home;
- A one on one visit by a volunteer visitor to a care recipient of a Home Care Package in their home; or
- A group visit that consists of two or more care recipients at the same time, in an Australian Government subsidised aged care home.
Are flu injections needed for all volunteers?
As per the Aged Care announcement all volunteer visitors entering a residential aged care faciilty require an Influenza vaccination, and need to provide evidence. It is not compulsory for in-home aged care workers to receive the influenza vaccination to continue visiting. However, the government does encourage all staff and volunteers to receive the flu vaccine.
What are the responsibilities of a volunteer visitor?
A volunteer visitor has the responsibility to:
- Work within the policies and procedures set out by the auspice;
- Visit a designated recipient of aged care services on a regular basis (at least once a fortnight), the purposes of which may include:
- companionship and friendship;
- increasing the care recipients involvement in social activities and community affairs;
- provide a record of the dates of visits to the CVS auspice coordinator;
- respect the rights of CVS participants including confidentiality and privacy;
- exercise a duty of care at all times
- inform the CVS auspice coordinator if they are experiencing any difficulties with visiting;
- notify the CVS auspice coordinator of any accident or incident that occurs whilst visiting;
- report unsafe visiting environments;
- notify the CVS auspice coordinator if there is an intention to cease visiting on a temporary or permanent basis; and
- inform the CVS auspice coordinator if they wish to stop visiting a particular care recipient.
Where do you visit?
The CVS auspice coordinator will try to match you with an older person near where you live or work. Some auspices have funding for visiting people in their own homes, as well as visiting at an aged care facility.
How is the visit spent?
Visits are as varied as the people who participate in them. It is very often a cuppa and a chat, but it can also be a game of cards or scrabble; a walk in the sunshine; watching an old movie; singing together; reading; helping write a letter; learning to knit; discussing politics – the possibilities are endless.
How old do I need to be to volunteer?
It is recommended that volunteers are aged 18 or older.
Can I visit if I speak a language other than English?
Yes, we welcome people who speak other languages.Often older people revert to the language of their birth place, and it is wonderful for them to have the opportunity to share conversation in another language.
What if I don’t get along with the person I have to visit, or they don’t like me?
We want the visit to be a good experience for both the person that you visit and for you. If either of you wish to cease the visits, that is okay; there may be the opportunity for you to be re-matched with someone else.
Do I have to have special education or experience?
CVS volunteering can be for everyone! Warmth, good listening ability, and an interest in people – these are the personal qualities we look for. Age, work background, and education credentials are not important – and nor is a volunteer’s culture. The Scheme proudly welcomes diversity.
