Aged Care Volunteer Visitors vs Volunteers
What’s the difference under the Aged Care Act 2024?
Not all volunteers in aged care are the same. The Aged Care Act 2024 makes a clear distinction between Aged Care Volunteer Visitors and general volunteers. Understanding the difference helps Lifestyle staff set the right expectations and support residents effectively.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors
To the right is the legal definition of Aged Care Volunteer Visitors taken directly from the Aged Care Act 2024.
What this means in practice:
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors are funded through the national Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Their role is companionship and social connection only.
They are not aged care workers and do not provide care tasks or deliver services on behalf of the aged care home.
They still follow your home’s entry procedures (sign-in, infection control, privacy rules).
General Volunteers in Aged Care
Organised directly by the aged care home.
May assist with lifestyle programs, activities, or personal support.
If they deliver part of the funded aged care services, they are considered part of the aged care workforce.
This means they must follow the Aged Care Code of Conduct, complete provider-required training, and meet suitability requirements.
Access to Aged Care Homes
The Aged Care Act 2024 makes it clear that Aged Care Volunteer Visitors (ACVVs) are not aged care workers or general volunteers. This means the way they enter and participate in your home is much simpler — saving you time and paperwork.
What this means for you:
No extra application forms or checks
Volunteer Visitors do not need to complete your home’s volunteer application forms, security checks, police checks, reference checks, or NDIS checks.
(The only rare exception is if they are specifically matched to visit an NDIS recipient. If NDIS recipients live at your home but the Volunteer Visitor is not visiting them, no NDIS check is required.)
Not registered as home volunteers
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors are funded and managed separately. They do not appear on your volunteer registers and are not part of your workforce obligations.No additional training required
All recruitment, checks, and training are already managed by QCCN and other funded organisations under the ACVVS.Only a basic site induction
Your home’s responsibility is simply to provide a short orientation:introduce the Volunteer Visitor to your site and staff
show them how to sign in and follow your entry procedures
introduce them to their matched resident friend.
Why this makes your life easier
Volunteers arrive fully screened, trained, and supported — ready to focus entirely on building meaningful social connections with residents.
You save time on admin and training, while still meeting compliance with the Aged Care Act 2024.
Residents benefit from companionship without adding to staff workload.
Questions or Clarifications
If you have any questions about how the Aged Care Act 2024 applies to Aged Care Volunteer Visitors, we’re here to help.
📧 You can reach us at acvvs@qccn.org.au for clarification or support.
Feel free to share this website with your Facility Manager or Head Office if they would like more information.
QCCN
QCCN (Queensland Community Care Network) is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) across South East and South West Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Dalby, Roma, St George, and Charleville. We are dedicated to improving the lives of older Australians through meaningful social connections and community engagement.