The Community Visitors Scheme is an Australian Government initiative which aims to improve the quality of life of socially isolated residents in Aged Care Homes by helping to establish a link between the community and the isolated resident.

The Ella Community Visitor's Scheme matches one volunteer to one resident of an aged care facility who are isolated or lonely.

Volunteers visit once a week/fortnight . Visit an aged care resident and offer human contact and interaction, whether it be sharing a cup of tea and a chat, reading the paper or giving a gentle hand massage.

Locations covered in the Inner West (Abbotsford, Annandale, Ashfield, Burwood, Chiswick, Summer Hill and Haberfield Areas)

It is our hope that both the resident and the visitor will find the visit beneficial and enjoyable.

Essential and Desirable:

-  An open mind, to be able to meet elderly people who may see life differently to you. -   A level of compassion and patience. -  Be willing to stay in program for at least 8-12 months. -  Attend quarterly training sessions, information sessions or morning teas with other volunteers. -  Submit quarterly record of visit sheets to the Coordinator. It is a Dept. of Health requirement that you visit at least 20 times per year -  Maintain open communication with the Coordinator -  Maintain Confidentiality

• Maintain open communication with the Coordinator • Maintain confidentiality at all times

A police check and two appropriate referees will be required.