Bundoora Extended Care Centre

The BECC Volunteer Program Volunteers have been a valued part of Bundoora Extended Care Centre since the very beginning and have helped shape the fabric of this important community facility.  The BECC Volunteer Program is highly regarded by staff, clients and their families because it continues to give unique and innovative support to the speciality health and welfare services provided by the organisation. Why Volunteer? Each person has his or her own reasons for volunteering, but all agree that volunteering offers the opportunity to give as well as receive. Volunteering is performed for the benefit of both the community and the volunteer. Everyone is so friendly and I love coming here. It’s really rewarding and fulfilling to do things for other people. My father was here after a stroke. I nursed him until he died and then joined the volunteers here. - Dianne I gain a lot of satisfaction from helping people out…and the appreciation you get back from them is just great.  I can honestly say I’m enjoying it more as time goes on. - John I realise that, however small my efforts may be, they can make a big difference. - Carmel  Who Can Volunteer? Anyone who is sensitive to the needs of older people and has an ability to get along with others and work as part of a team can be a volunteer. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment to BECC for a minimum of six months and to agree to undertake relevant training. Volunteering Opportunities at BECC Volunteering roles are available weekdays and weekends. In accordance with legislation, all volunteer applicants must undergo a police check (paid for by BECC). There is a wide variety of activities that BECC Volunteers can assist with – some of these are: - Driving for appointments or social outings - Visiting patients and residents - Games and Activities - Gentle Exercise - Outings - Massage - Entertainment - Mailouts/Collating Information Packs - Beauty Therapy - Book/Magazine Distribution - Gardening New volunteering roles are regularly developed to meet the needs of BECC services and their clients. For more information about the BECC Volunteer Program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 9495 3148. Community Visitors Scheme What is the Community Visitors Scheme? The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a volunteer program that involves volunteers (‘Community Visitors’) who visit isolated or lonely residents in aged care facilities on a fortnightly basis. Who Do Community Visitors Visit? Some residents of aged care facilities don’t have regular contact with relatives or friends from outside the home.  In some cases the resident may be visited but receive little benefit from the visits.  The resident may be lonely or socially isolated and might benefit from spending time with someone they can relate to, or with someone who can speak in their own language. How is the Visit Spent? This depends on the interests and abilities of both the visitor and the resident, but it may involve working on a hobby together, discussing local news, going for a walk, going on an outing together or just simply chatting.  What a Community Visitor Can Do Community Visitors add to the quality of life of residents by being a companion, confidante and friend.  The Community Visitors Scheme aims to improve the quality of life of aged care residents.  The involvement of a Community Visitor can lead to many positive outcomes for the resident, including, increased self-esteem and reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness, and a sense of being connected to the community. For further information, please contact the Community Visitors Scheme Coordinator on 9495 3225.