Community Visitors Scheme

The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is an initiative of the Commonwealth Government to enhance the rights of older people living in Residential Aged Care Homes.

A Community Visitor befriends a resident of an Aged Care Home who would benefit by having their own special visitor.

Wimmera Volunteers is the agency responsible for the delivery of this service within the Wimmera Region.

Anyone who cares about and respects older people and can make a commitment to visit at least one hour per fortnight can become a Community Visitor.  He/She is matched with a resident of a nursing home/hostel with a view to establishing, companionship and friendship.  All volunteers receive information and training to assist them in their role and the co-ordinator is available for on-going support and advice.

Wimmera Volunteers carefully match the resident and a volunteer taking into account such factors as interests (past and present) and backgrounds.  There are many ways of getting to know someone and become a special friend.  Sharing stories about each others lives, having a cup of tea together, reading a story or newspaper, sharing a hobby, interest or activity, listening to music or taking a walk together.