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STARS
Volunteer Program

What if I told you that one in five hospital beds in the Illawarra Shoalhaven is unavailable for local patients because it’s occupied by someone with no place to call home? Or that across NSW, the equivalent of seven hospitals are filled with people not receiving medical care but living there because they have no safe alternative?

The Supported Transition Assistance Response Scheme (STARS) consists of a team of volunteers experienced in aged care services, assisting in the process of transferring an older person from a hospital bed to an aged care home or back to their own home.

A woman in a blue suit sits and talks to a person with a notepad in her hand. The text "Are you our type?" is on the image. A badge reads "Join our next induction" with the text "Stars Volunteer." The setting is a domestic living room with floral curtains and framed pictures.

Let’s work together

Our STARS volunteer team is making a difference to many older people who are in hospital and unable to leave until they find an aged care home with 24/7 care. It’s a time fraught with emotions about a significant change in life, and navigating aged care for the first time can be challenging for anyone. The volunteers also assist by sharing their aged care knowledge with compassion and without jargon. They explain the options available and answer questions about what to expect when moving into aged care.

STARS are not just advisors; they empower older people with care and expertise, enabling them to make informed decisions. With STARS by their side, an older person in hospital receives personalised assistance to navigate their transition, explore suitable aged care options, and gain independent, confidential support to inform decision-making.

If you have experience in aged care and a desire to help others, please fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touich!

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Pooja Mathew - STARS Volunteer

“Pooja experienced the importance of intergenerational care giving for elderly relatives and parents first hand. When she heard elderly patients being delayed in hospitals, Pooja’s heart went out to them. With her strong background in finance and a deep understanding of the aged care system, she immediately volunteered to become one of our first and proudest STARS volunteers.”