Since 1993, the Australian Red Cross Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) has been making a difference to the lives of residents in aged care homes across NSW by matching volunteer visitors with residents. Red Cross operates this program in six states across Australia.

Residents of aged care homes can experience loneliness and social isolation. They may have limited or no contact with family, friends or the general community.

Residents feel valued and cared for when receiving a regular visitor. A regular visitor offers many benefits for the residents and improves their quality of life. They experience increased self-esteem and decreased feelings of loneliness, boredom and depression.

CVS is a federal funding initiative of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. For more information visit: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-rescare-cvs-cvs.htm.

Volunteers

Volunteers visit in their local area and are matched, where possible, with a resident according to shared interests, common background and potential compatibility.

Volunteers visit regularly (at least once a fortnight) on a one-to-one basis, providing conversation, companionship and friendship. It is expected that each visit would be for one hour.

Volunteers receive comprehensive training prior to visiting. They also receive ongoing training and support from their co ordinator.

Volunteers frequently report a high level of satisfaction gained from participation in CVS and often form genuine and longlasting friendships.