About the program
Emotional support and companionship is so important for senior Australians, particularly following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of this, and to address the decline in volunteers during this time, the Australian Government is encouraging the return of volunteers and encouraging new volunteers to residential aged care facilities (RACFs).
Volunteers have long been an essential part of the aged care system. The program seeks to complement, not replicate, or replace, or fill shifts of the paid workforce. Volunteers will provide valuable assistance, companionship, and support to residents, essential to the wellbeing of older people.
As part of the national volunteer recruitment strategy, Queensland’s program will be facilitated through Volunteering Queensland website platform.
Give a little, gain a lot
About the role
The program matches volunteers with nominating RACFs. The volunteers will provide non-clinical social support to residents including companionship, emotional support and support with physical activity.
Volunteers may assist with:
- leisure activities (e.g. reading, music)
- access to and supervision in outdoor spaces or the community
- physical activity and exercise
- companionship, conversation and social engagement
- mobilising support in aid of above activities
- culturally specific and individually appropriate support to enhance residents’ wellbeing
- administration support such as answering phones, internal message running, restocking personal protective equipment (PPE).
Note: Volunteers will not be expected to provide showering, dressing, medication management, wound dressing, continence management, technical, high risk or complex transfer of residents, documenting provision of care, nor would you be in contact with isolated residents due to infection or illness.
How you will be helping
Your time and dedication to this role will reduce the social isolation and loneliness that many residents may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19. The impact your contribution will make to the lives of aged care residents and the RACF workforce is immeasurable. You can make a real difference.
Regular visits from volunteers can help improve quality of life and reduce isolation, such as:
- Improve self-esteem and wellbeing
- Diminish feelings of depression and anxiety
- Maintain and increase independence and sense of belonging
- Reduce feeling of loneliness and isolation
- Maintain good emotional and physical health
- Increase longevity and increase sense of purpose
- Develop social connections.
Training
Volunteers will complete online training in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control, as well as training to prepare you for working in an aged care facility setting.
Your commitment
Prior to commencement as a volunteer, you will be required to:
- Be 18+ years of age and a resident of Queensland, Australia
- Complete a National Police Check (must be cleared to participate)
- Complete all required online training
- Provide evidence of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations in accordance with the Queensland Government regulations.
Facilities are looking for a 1-3 hour commitment per week. Approximately 50 per cent of facilities are flexible offering weekend volunteering.
Note: Volunteers are required to meet the Covid vaccination requirements in accordance with Queensland Health directives for aged care support services workers.
Learn more about the program by visiting our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page.
Registrations close 31 July 2022.
Find out moreContact
07 3002 7625
racfprogram@volunteeringqld.org.au
Media release
Thursday 28 April 2022
Would you like to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our older citizens and gain much in return? Volunteer for our Re- Engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Program.
The Re-engaging Volunteers into Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF) Program is an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health and is proudly supported by Volunteering Queensland.
