Male Volunteer Visitors needed in Sandgate - be a mate to someone in aged care!
About this opportunity
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 one-on-one with a resident who has 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 friend, and through ongoing visits create a wonderful new friendship for someone in need.
We have many residents in a care home in Sandgate who are without any family or friends who visit them. Male 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 from 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!
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 flu vaccination during flu season (typically April to November) &
- 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.
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!
Additional requirements
Flu vaccination . National Police Certificate *. Others .
National Police Check, which is arranged and paid for by Queensland Community Care Network.
From 30th May 2021, all volunteers to aged care facilities in Australia must have had the flu shot with evidence to be kept on file (during flu season, typically April to November). A document of evidence must be supplied to QLD Community Care Network before commencing face to face visits at an aged care facility. This is a requirement issued by the Department of Health on a federal level.
At least one hour per fortnight. Visiting hours are generally 9am - 6pm, Mon - Fri. Weekend visits can be arranged.
Suitable for- Skilled Volunteers
- Wheelchair Access
Induction offered by Aged Care Facility (Lifestyle Manager)