The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme

In this heartwarming episode, Coral sits down with Philippa O'Donnell from FNQ Volunteers to explore one of Australia's most quietly transformative programs, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS). Philippa brings positive stories that highlight the real impact of human connection, especially for older Australians whose social circles have diminished over time.


From matchmaking volunteers based on shared passions to overcoming the challenges of remote communities, the conversation is packed with insights and inspiration. This government-funded program benefits everyone involved, not just the people receiving visitors. Here’s an episode that will leave you with a renewed sense of what’s possible when we provide companionship and care to our older community.


 In this episode:

• What the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) is and why it matters
• Matching clients and volunteers based on shared interests
• The importance of one-on-one engagement for older Australians
• Real stories of connections and benefits
• Who is eligible for a visitor
• Volunteer training, police checks and ongoing support
• What volunteers can and can’t do
• The sorts of activities volunteers undertake with their clients
• Potential models for engagement in remote areas
• How you can get involved, either as a volunteer or by referring someone


 Resources mentioned:

• FNQ volunteers ACVVS program website (https://fnqvolunteers.org.au/voluntee...)
• The national ACVVS website (https://AgedCareVolunteerVisitorsScheme(ACVVS)|AustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHealth,DisabilityandAgeing)


Related episodes:

• Episode 53 (https://seemeacn.com.au/pharmacy-addr...) - Pharmacy addressing loneliness and social isolation
• Episode 54 (https://seemeacn.com.au/what-is-socia...) – What is social prescribing?


Connect with Philippa O’Donnell:

• LinkedIn (  / philippa-pip-o-donnell-59501818  )






Connect with Coral Wilkinson: 

• Instagram (  / coral_wilkinson_rn  )  
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/coral-see...)  


Follow See Me Aged Care Navigators:

• See Me ACN website (https://seemeacn.com.au/)
• Facebook (  / seemeacn  )
• Instagram (  / seemeagedcarenavigators  )


  


More about Your Aged Care Compass podcast: 


Do you support an older loved one at home and you're ready to give up because it’s just too hard? Your Aged Care Compass is for you.


We're Coral and Michelle, the sisters behind our business, See Me Aged Care Navigators.


Coral is a registered nurse with over 30 years’ experience in both health and aged care. A former assessor with the aged care assessment team, an advocate and author, there’s not much Coral doesn’t know about Australia’s aged care system.


Michelle is a former pharmacist with over 30 years in the public health and private sectors of pharmacy. Michelle is the client care manager for our business. 


Our story started as one of supporting our parents to remain in their own home, to be as independent as possible and remain connected to their community. When we eventually needed extra support, we achieved this because we know Australia’s aged care system so well. We knew what programs could assist us and our parents.


Your Aged Care Compass podcast brings together not only our personal experience in supporting our parents but also our vast professional experience in supporting other families to keep their loved ones at home. 


We'll help you makes sense of Australia’s aged care system and bring you topics related to ageing as well. Legal, financial, health, forward planning and more.


 Your Aged Care Compass will guide you clearly and compassionately to the right support at the right time for your ageing parents and loved ones. 


Like what you hear? Please leave us a rating and review. We’d love you to share this podcast with any friends or family who have older loved ones.