Many elderly Australians in aged care homes are socially isolated from the community. QCCN are 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. We are looking to engage volunteers who can participate in Montessori method activities with their new friend, and through ongoing visits, create a wonderful new friendship for someone in need.

We have many residents in this care home in Corinda who would benefit from this program and style of socialisation and engagement. 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!

Incorporating social visits with activities based on the Montessori Method places an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a person’s natural psychological, physical, and social development. Originally developed in 1907 for children with special needs, this process proposes activities to help dementia patients cope with everyday life. Activities can include simple puzzle games (such as matching words with objects or identifying famous landmarks), basic everyday chores (folding clothes, putting away dishes), sensory activities (identifying fruits and vegetables, smelling scented candles) or even music (listening to music, identifying songs, singing).

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 (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) &
• To be comfortable in communicating with someone with dementia, as we too often find that residents with reduced cognition need these social visits the most. You will have wonderful on-site support with the Lifestyle and Leisure team who assist in overseeing this program.

This care home has passionate and supportive staff who will assist you to make sure your volunteer journey is a successful and enjoyable experience, and equip you with anything you may need for the Montessori method activity. All volunteer visits will take place at the care home and you will not be asked to transport your friend outside the 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. Please note our organisation is also not registered to approve Centrelink volunteers due to the limited hours required to participate.

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!