Queensland Community

Queensland Community Care Network Inc.

QCCN was established in June 1990 to provide broad based community services directly to people requiring some level of community or home support. To do this effectively, we have developed a close relationship with people in need, so that their needs become the basis for all our programs.
QCCN is aware that the personal care of the elderly can become a major source of stress to both the person and their carers. We believe that preservation of the health and well being of elderly people is the key to preventing the deterioration and loss of connection to the community. QCCN sees its work as preventative in terms of assisting people to maintain a normal lifestyle.

Community Visitors Scheme

Research has found that social isolation and loneliness is one of the major contributors to health problems in the elderly. Social isolation and loneliness occurs when the elderly find they can no longer get out and about, they find that they lose contact with their social groups, who in most cases are in the same boat. In some cases the elderly couple may have moved interstate to retire in Queensland, leaving their social network behind. The older they get the more isolated they become, some only have contact with another human being on a very limited basis, this may result in a breakdown in personal hygiene and eating habits.
You can be excused for thinking that social isolation and loneliness is restricted to people living alone. In fact some elderly people living in aged care facilities and surrounded by aged care staff and residents are extremely lonely and are considered socially isolated. As the saying goes, “Sometimes the loneliest place is standing in a crowd”.
This occurs because, although in aged care homes the staff are of a very caring nature and provide whatever care the resident needs. That care is mainly focused on their physical wellbeing. The staff just do not have the time to sit and talk to a resident. Imagine how lonely you would feel if all around you people were laughing and talking with their friends, and you were sitting by yourself. This often forces people to think they are unworthy and causes them to withdraw into themselves.
Often, aged members of society are moved into a home because of an unexpected stroke or illness, this removes the emotional transition time needed; sometimes the choice with regards to placement is taken away from them, either through availability of spaces in homes or because they are verbally or mentally incapacitated to make an informed choice. More often than not, in these cases family members are making these choices for them.
Just for one moment imagine you had fully functioning thoughts, but were unable to voice them aloud. Someone with whom you do not have a close relationship with, came in to pack up your home; a home that you have lived in most of your life. Your family home, full of memories; they then have to fit all of your personal belongings, your memories into a small bedroom. What do you think they would pack up that is important to you? More often then not, the things that are packed include essential items such as clothes, sheets and some photographs. Anything else is either put into storage or discarded, including all the items that hold precious memories. You are then moved to a strange place, where people make all your decisions for you, 24/7. They decide what time you eat, what you eat, where you sit, what time you shower or bath. Feeling isolated yet?
This is what occurs in a lot of elderly Queenslander’s lives, they do not choose or want to move to an aged care home; it is something that is thrust upon them. The social isolation that can take place in these circumstances can be heart breaking. QCCN strives to ensure that social isolation is minimised as much as possible.

How can you help?

Community Visitors are needed in almost all aged care homes in Australia; and becoming a community visitor is easy. All you have to do is phone your local community development officer on 1800 651 911.
QCCN looks for volunteers who can give at least an hour a fortnight of their time to visit a resident in an aged care facility and socialise with them; this could involve talking to them, having a cup of tea with them; basically just being a friendly face and a friend to them. It really is that easy so what are you waiting for, call today and help make a difference to the community.