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Aging with grace

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The North Central Review
The North Central Reviewhttps://ncreview.com.au/
The North Central Review is an independently owned newspaper publishing company based in Kilmore that is responsible for publishing two community newspapers each week, covering communities within the Mitchell Shire

Throughout many small towns in regional Victoria, there are older people listening, smiling, and laughing with their volunteer visitor.

Ageing with Grace is a small charity funded by the government to provide a free service for any older person living in residential aged care, or who is approved or waitlisted for a home care package.

Older Australians are at a considerably higher risk of loneliness and isolation than their younger counterparts, which is why the Australian Government introduced the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) over 30 years ago (previously known as the Community Visitors Scheme).

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Willowmeade resident Ray Medley has a volunteer visitor every two weeks, and it’s purely for conversation.

Activities and Lifestyle Coordinator Allison Murphy said although Mr Medley has regular visitors, there are some residents who could do with a new friend.

“We would like to have someone come to play the piano and [have] a sing-along, and a volunteer to walk with a resident outside of the residence three–four days a week for about 45 minutes to an hour,” she said.

Volunteers can also benefit in many ways by sharing their life experiences and interests with a new acquaintance.

A physical match may enjoy daytime outings to nearby fishing holes or cricket matches, while an intellectual pair may like to visit the library to research family histories together or play cards.

If you are interested in volunteering, Ageing with Grace would love to hear from you and connect you to an older person who could do with a new friend.

For more information, call Aging with Grace Aged Care Programs Coordinator Lydia on 0476 653 332 or email lydiaz@ageingwithgrace.org.au.

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