Volunteers for the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) of CPSA are usually recruited through the Community Noticeboard section of local newspapers but some are found through word of mouth and posters on community noticeboards.

Most people who contact the CVS continue through to be matched with a resident of an aged care facility.

PLEASE CONTACT THE COORDINATOR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A COMMUNITY VISITOR.

PHONE (CVS Coordinator): (02) 9281 3588

EMAIL: cvs@cpsa.org.au

FACSIMILE: (02) 9281 9716

SUPPORT AND TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Potential volunteers are visited at home for an initial assessment. Information packages are distributed and discussed at this time. These provide information and guidance on a wide range of situations that are likely to arise in aged care facilities.
• Volunteers are given specific training information about residents prior to matching.
• All new visitors are contacted after approximately two visits to ensure the success of matching and to discuss any concerns.
• All visitors are regularly contacted by telephone and are encouraged to avail themselves of telephone support whenever necessary (particularly when they first start visiting).
• Regular support group meetings are conducted to allow discussion of a wide range of relevant subjects and to enable community visitors to meet each other and to discuss their experiences and concerns.
• A newsletter, including informative articles relevant to aged care facilities and residents, is distributed to all volunteers every two months.
• A social event is held in the pre-Christmas period.