Elders Rights Advocacy

Volunteering with Elder Rights Advocacy through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme helps improve the health and wellbeing of older Victorian’s. It’s also a great opportunity for you to gain personal satisfaction, contribute your talents and experience and gain new skills.

You will be introduced to an older person in their home or aged care facility who is experiencing feelings of social isolation. Through your ongoing visits, you will build a meaningful friendship by providing companionship that will assist in reducing feelings of loneliness and encourage social connection.
Role Responsibilities
• Visit one-on-one with an older person on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
• Undertake activities that are of interest to the participant. This this may include listening to music together, playing cards or board games, or simply having a chat.
• Outings are also possible once ongoing visits are well established.
• Maintain regular communication with the program staff.
• Record and submit monthly reports.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• A genuine interest in building friendships and social connections with older people to ease social isolation.
• Have an understanding of health issues faced by people as they age and use this understanding and empathy during your visits.
• Effective social skills; can listen and engage with people possibly from a diverse cultural background and who may be experiencing loneliness.
• Ability to maintain clear boundaries and confidentiality.
• Are mature, reliable, flexible and have confidence to work independently without direct supervision and to seek support and guidance as required.