Do Care Visiting Volunteer

Location: South West Region | Colac-Otway

Job type: Not provided

Organisation: Colac Area Health

**Salary**: Salary not specified

Occupation: Other

Reference: 16196

**One on One Visiting Volunteer Do Care**

Whatever area you volunteer in, you are considered a valued Volunteer to the whole of Colac Area Health; Welcome. You are asked to follow our guidelines and policies to ensure your safety and enjoyment in your volunteer experience.

**AIM**:

- To provide one-on-one social support and friendship for frail, aged people who are at risk of social isolation. We promote independence, wellbeing, social engagement and cognitive/intellectual stimulation. Projected outcomes are social engagement, increased activity levels, confidence and improved quality of life. Visiting is focussed on the participant's needs/wants and doing with, not doing for.
- While doing all tasks it is integral you keep in mind the organisational core values
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Confidentiality and privacy must be observed at all times in line with signed agreements, guidelines and policy.

**Report to - Do Care Program Facilitator**

**DUTIES**
- Practice good hand hygiene and social distancing where possible.
- Foster a friendship with a person living in their own home or aged care facility
- To contact/visit the participant at home at least once per week _(CHSP) _or participant at home or resident in an aged care facility once per fortnight (CVS); this commitment is beneficial for both the Volunteer and participant in establishing and maintaining a friendship. A phone/letter/online/gift contact call can be made if a visit is not possible-holidays/illness/restrictions
- A commitment to the program for a minimum of six months
- Report to Do Care Visiting Program Facilitator when the person visited is either sick, in hospital or away from home
- Report to the Do Care Visiting Program Facilitator or volunteer coordinator if you are unable to visit on a regular basis
- Report to Do Care Visiting Program Facilitator, where necessary, any concerns regarding the participant, as outlined in the orientation session
- Assist your visiting friend to any Miller House functions where participants and Volunteers are invited, if appropriate to both
- Fill-in the formal 'Visitor Record' form issued quarterly and return to Miller House by stipulated date
- 10.To be able to be engaging and friendly to participants and show a caring attitude
- 12.To be able to put the needs of others first and respect their choices including saying 'No'
- 13. To be mindful around the areas of ageing and independence.
- 14. Engage in social based activities, in line with their expressed interests such as:

- Sharing a cuppa
- Reading a newspaper/magazine together
- Cooking together
- Attending an activity at Miller House
- Transport to an appointment
- Playing cards/games
- Assisting with IT devices (connecting with family, photos)

**Preferred Experience/Attributes**
- Ability to communicate with an aged person
- Demonstrate patience and tolerance
- To be a 'people person' who can engage well with others.
- Willingness to attend extra training on Aged Care - dementia, Advanced Care Plan, person-centred care, elder abuse
- An understanding that the connection with your visitor is important in alleviating loneliness and giving a connection to the wider community and services

Further information may be obtained by contacting Tracy Neave, Volunteer Coordinator on 5323 5100

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**The successful applicant will be required to undertake a Victorian Police Check and complete a Statutory Declaration as per the Aged Care Principles prior to commencement of volunteering. Some positions will also require a WWC Check.**

**We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people.