You can make a difference...

Many elderly Australians in aged care homes are socially isolated from the community. QCCN is looking for people with big hearts to visit these senior citizens and reconnect them with the community. It only takes an hour a fortnight and all you have to do is be a friend.

Residents enjoy the social visits of our volunteers. You will be matched with two female residents who have been identified as socially isolated, or at risk of becoming so. Volunteers enjoy a coffee and chat, or perhaps a board game with their new friends, and through ongoing visits create a wonderful new friendship for someone in need. Please note these two residents have a diagnosis of dementia and experience with people living with dementia is highly recommended.

We have many residents in this care home in Kenmore who are without any family or friends who visit them. Male and female residents across all ages are looking for a new friend who can volunteer their time for a social visit. Volunteer Visitors enrich the lives of our elders in care and help bring them a sense of connection for their local community. Studies have proven that loneliness can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking - and sadly, over 40% of people in aged care don't have anyone to visit them at all. You can make a difference by visiting your new friend once a fortnight - all you have to do is be a mate! This care facility is able to accommodate volunteer visits on weekdays (not weekends).

Volunteer requirements are -

• To be aged over 18 years
• The passing of the National Criminal History Check (which we perform and pay for - you won't need to supply this!)
• A 2023 flu vaccination, with evidence available to present to the aged care home &
• The availability to visit your new friend once a fortnight for the next twelve months. Of course, we understand holidays/study/work comes up, and that's totally fine - the regularity of your visits will also assist your resident to feel a sense of connection and to help grow your friendship even further.

This care facility has passionate and supportive staff who will assist you to make sure your volunteer journey is a successful and enjoyable experience. All volunteer visits will take place at the care facility and you will not be asked to transport your friend outside the facility grounds. It is essential for this volunteer role that you have experience in communicating with someone with reduced cognition, as we too often find that these are the residents who need the social visits most.

This volunteer role is not suitable for those looking to gain experience within the health sector in regards to job placement/meeting study requirements. As this role offers no direct clinical exposure, it does not qualify as work or practical experience.

We’re a small not for profit aiming to do big things! It’s our goal to try to eliminate the elderly feeling secluded whilst in residential care. To do this, we connect volunteers with the elderly so they can develop long lasting, meaningful friendships. We'd love to have you join our team if this is the kind of role you are looking for within the community!