Katoomba neighborhood Centre

Community Visitors' Scheme

An Australian Government Initiative

What is the Community Visitors' Scheme?

The Community Visitors' Scheme (CVS) is a scheme to support volunteers to visit residents of Aged Care Facilities who may be lonely or isolated.

It was established in 1993 to improve the quality of life of older people living in residential aged care facilities.

The Community Visitors' Scheme (CVS) is an Australian Government initiative established in 1993 to enhance the rights of older people living in residential aged-care facilities. The Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre is the auspice organisation of the upper mountains' CVS. CVS particularly targets residents who may be lonely or isolated and who have indicated that they would welcome a visitor.

The Community Visitors' Scheme aims to improve the quality of life of residents in aged care facilities by:

• providing friendship and companionship
• assisting residents to maintain their independence
• minimising residents' isolation from the general community

Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre is the auspice organisation of the Upper Mountains Community Visitor Scheme.

What do Community Visitors Do?

Community visitors are asked to set aside some time every fortnight to visit someone in an aged care facility. Depending on the community visitor and the resident visited, this time may be spent sharing thoughts, talking about day-to-day activities, walking in the garden, or on an outing to a coffee shop, park...or anyone of a number of activities.

The visits are an important link between the resident and the wider community and help an older person enjoy life to its full potential.

The Community Visitor is rewarded through sharing of an older person's rich and interesting life. Many lasting friendships develop between residents and visitors.

Support Offered to Community Visitors

As far as possible visitors are matched with residents, taking into account shared interests, hobbies, backgrounds and life experiences.

Training prior to matching, is provided to improve the awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of residents in aged care facilities.

• Regular informal support meetings and training seminars are provided.
• Reimbursement for out-of pocket expenses. This includes petrol and coffee.
• Visitors receive and are encouraged to contribute to the CVS newsletter.
• Contact with the larger Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre commuunity is offered.
• Contact and support from the CVS Co-ordinator.

Download CVS 2009 Annual Report here. (Word Doc)

Download CVS 2009 Report here (PDF)

Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre 

8 Station Street, Katoomba. 

Open from 9.00am - 12.30pm then 1.30pm - 5.00pm Monday to Friday 

Closed Wednesday Afternoons