Transport services

What service is provided?

A volunteer will visit at least once a week for an hour. The CVS tries to connect like-minded individuals and recipients with similar hobbies, interests and likes to facilitate a good friendship.

There are a number of different types of volunteer visits under CVS:

A residential volunteer visits a participant for a one-on-one visit at a residential aged care facility.

Group residential volunteers visit a small group of residents at a residential aged care facility who have similar interests, like gardening or knitting.

A home care volunteer visits a CVS recipient with an approved Home Care Package at their home once a week for one-on-one interaction. Volunteers are not visiting to monitor your standards of care from your aged care service provider, be involved in any of your financial affairs, or provide any form of nursing or personal care.

Think of your volunteer visitor as a dear friend that has come over for a cup of coffee and a chat.

In Queensland, the scheme is coordinated by the Queensland Community Care Network inc (QCCN). For further information, visit their website, qccn.org.au, or call 07 3379 7200.

Transport services

Getting to appointments, the shops or social events can be challenging if you don’t have a car, and even more challenging if you have mobility issues.

There may be times when friends, family and neighbours are unable to help out. While transport can be part of Government funded supports, there is also a range of free or subsidised transport options available through a variety of outlets.

Community organisations

In Queensland, there are many volunteer groups, such as local churches, clubs or Rotary groups, that support frail elderly people over 65 years of age in many ways, including through transport services.

These community volunteer transport services provide either direct transport or assist older people in accessing public transport.

They can take you to appointments, out and about in your community, visit friends and family, or go to the shops.

Most of these community schemes or groups are staffed by volunteer drivers. Depending on the organisation, the services may be free or you may have to pay a small contribution towards the organisation.

St John’s Ambulance Australia provides a community transport service and patient transport service in most States or Territories.

These services can support older people who need to attend medical appointments or hospital, visit loved ones, attend events or family gatherings, or for grocery shopping.

Local Councils

Queensland local councils frequently offer transport in two forms –community buses and personal transport.

Some council’s operate community buses on a weekly basis with many offering the convenience of door to door pickup and drop-off. There is usually a nominal minimal charge for using the community bus which may vary depending on where it is going and whether you require a return journey.

Additionally, some councils offer personal transport for medical, wellbeing and other essential appointments, and are usually provided by council volunteers.

Contact your local council for information about transport in your area.

Other transport options for seniors

You may be eligible for free or cheaper public transport in Queensland if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Seniors Card, Veterans’ Gold/White Card or TPI/EDA Veteran Travel card.

The Queensland Government operate a Taxi Subside Scheme that assists people who are unable to use public and community transport due to disability or significant mobility restriction.

Contact TRANSLink on 13 12 30 or visit the website at translink.com.au .

Assistive technology options

The changes that occur with ageing can lead to problems with mobility, such as unsteadiness while walking, difficulty getting in and out of a chair, or falls.

These are reportedly the top mobility problems experienced by older people and a major cause of injury and death.

Muscle weakness, joint problems, pain, disease and neurological difficulties can also contribute to mobility problems. Keeping mobile can give you the opportunity to maintain independence in order to fulfil daily tasks and live happily in your own home.

Although light physical activity can help improve your mobility and remain independent, some people also find comfort and assistance in mobility equipment or aids which aim to help them live more satisfying and productive lives.

Improve access and safety at home

Creating a safe living space is critical to keep your independence and prevent injuries. Whether it’s slippery floors or tripping over electrical cords, some of the most common causes of injury in people over 65 are in and around the home.

You can improve the safety of your home by making some basic changes: Remove clutter around the home to reduce the risk of tripping over. Keep hallways and staircases clear from clutter and make sure you check outside areas for clutter and tripping hazards as well.