Australia’s aged care sector is about to undergo a significant shift. From 1 November 2025, all residential aged care services must meet the new Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards—a framework built to enhance safety, dignity, and quality of life for older Australians.
For Lifestyle Coordinators, this is more than a compliance exercise. It’s a chance to rethink how we build meaningful, person-centred experiences in aged care. One of the simplest, most effective tools to support this change? The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
Understanding the New Standards:
The updated standards, introduced in response to recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, focus on seven key areas:
The standards place a clear emphasis on person centred care, resident autonomy, and emotional wellbeing—areas where Lifestyle Coordinators play a critical role.
How ACVVS Helps Meet Key Standards:
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a government-funded program that connects aged care residents with trained volunteers for regular one-on-one social visits. These interactions are casual, friendly, and meaningful focused on conversation, shared hobbies, or simply spending time together.
Here’s how ACVVS aligns with three of the most relevant new standards:
Standard 1: The Person
The program matches volunteers with residents based on shared language, culture, or interests. Visits are tailored to the individual, supporting their identity, history, and personal preferences. This reinforces dignity, choice, and a person-centred approach.
Standard 3: Care and Services
While not clinical in nature, volunteer visits support emotional and psychological wellbeing—crucial aspects of holistic care. Volunteers help lift mood, reduce isolation, and increase participation in daily life.
Standard 7: The Residential Community
ACVVS brings the outside world in, connecting residents to their broader community. This fosters inclusion, reduces feelings of institutionalisation, and promotes a sense of belonging within the care home.
Supporting Star Ratings and Continuous Improvement:
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme can also contribute to your home’s Star Ratings on My Aged Care, especially in the areas of Resident Experience and Compliance. Residents who receive regular visits often report feeling more connected, valued, and satisfied with their care.
As part of your Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) efforts, ACVVS offers a simple, free initiative that fits naturally into the Plan-Do-Study framework:
This cycle supports a culture of ongoing improvement and shows your commitment to delivering care that is responsive and resident focused.
Real-World Impact:
Lifestyle teams across the country have seen first-hand how ACVVS changes lives. Some of the most reported benefits include:
Volunteers also ease the pressure on staff by offering unhurried social interaction, allowing lifestyle and care teams to focus more effectively on their broader responsibilities.
Getting Started:
Implementing the scheme is simple—and fully supported. You can refer residents through your local ACVVS auspice organisation or directly via the national website.
Whether you’re supporting compliance, enhancing resident wellbeing, or boosting your home’s performance data, ACVVS is a powerful tool for change.
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.