* Since the publishing of this story, the participants named are no longer actively meeting through the ACVVS program, but remain happy to share their story.<\/em>
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Valuable connections are forming through Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The free service, federally funded, matches a council-organised volunteer with an eligible participant for regular visits, to provide companionship and reduce social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maddie decided to volunteer during her final years of high school to improve her skills and give back to her community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her interest in speech pathology and experience working in aged care during a school placement led her to discover the ACVVS program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leon, a resident at BUPA Aged Care Service in Kyneton, was matched with Maddie for regular weekly visits. Leon, a writer of four novels, plans to have them published. After travelling extensively with his late wife in his younger years, and with their children having moved on to start their own families, Leon and his wife settled together in the Kyneton aged care facility before her passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leon looks forward to his visits with Maddie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s great to have someone talking to you because I\u2019m 91. I love having young company around. Your family’s all grown up and moved on and got their own families,” Leon said.
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Although Maddie had not volunteered before, her natural gift with conversation made it easy to get along with Leon. \u201cI think that we are just both really big talkers. Yeah, we can talk for hours,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really enjoyed learning about Leon’s past, his stories, and everything. I don’t know, I just feel wiser.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maddie encouraged others to volunteer through the program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“You don\u2019t really understand the impact you have on others. Even if it\u2019s only an hour a week, it means a lot to them,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At New Gisborne aged care service Warrina, resident Alf, originally from Port Melbourne, enjoys weekly visits from volunteer Scott through the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Alf, having Scott around meant more than just company; it means engaging conversations and afternoon walks. Alongside the routines of aged care, Alf remains active, walking, completing puzzles, crosswords and singing to keep his spirits high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the quiet moments and lively conversations shared between Scott and Alf, a deep connection has blossomed \u2013 a reminder that simple acts of kindness and companionship can brighten most days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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