AIDS Care Association

Independent, experienced care for people living with HIV/AIDS in the St Kilda and surrounding areas.

What is AIDS Care Association Inc?
AIDS Care Association Inc is an independent volunteer group based in the St Kilda area. Our purpose is to offer care and companionship without prejudice, and within the limits of our expertise and resources to people affected by HIV and AIDS in the St Kilda and surrounding areas. (back)

Who do we help?
We are happy to assist ALL people affected by HIV and AIDS living in our locality. We will try to fit in with the needs and wishes of the people we care for. We help people who already have carers, as well as those with limited networks of support.

We refer to the people we care for as FRIENDS in keeping with our aim of supportive care. (back)

What can we offer?
♥ Social and emotional support

♥ Hands on care when ill

♥ Cleaning the house

♥ Laundry

♥ Shopping and paying bills

♥ Access and advocacy to other agencies and services

♥ Personal care

♥ Other tasks as requested within the limits of our expertise and resources (back)

What about confidentiality?
We know that this is a concern to many people with HIV/AIDS and so we are sensitive to the need for confidentiality. This is fully discussed with each person receiving our support so that an appropriate level of confidentiality may be agreed on.

We have developed a policy of confidentiality and this is available to our FRIENDS. (back)

Who provides funding for this Group?
We are an independent group which relies on our own efforts for fundraising.

While we may, from time to time seek small grants from various organisations, most of our funds come from our own efforts. In this way we keep our independence. (back)

What happens next?
We will arrange a prompt and convenient time for our Care Supervisor to meet with the person requesting care or assistance.

Based on these discussions, arrangements will be made for a Care Team to be formed. (back)

What control will I have?
Forming a Care Team and having it operate successfully means an approach of mutual co-operation and respect.

In the long run though, you have total control over all aspects of your Care Team.

You do not lose control– our aim is to provide support for you in order that you may keep to your own standard and quality of life.

AIDS Care Association in non-judgemental of the method of transmission, gender, race or sexual preferences of our FRIENDS; our only concern is to help you help yourself. (back)

Volunteers Needed
As with all voluntary organisations, we are always in need of volunteers, especially those with daytime availability.

Do you have some spare time to give? You may be able to provide good quality support and care to a FRIEND.

If so, we would like to hear from you.

We only ask for your spare time, and your personal limits in what you can or want to do will be respected.

Not all volunteers feel comfortable being on a Care Team.

Perhaps you might like to do some driving for one of our FRIENDS, taking him/her to hospital or medical appointments.

You might feel more comfortable helping us with our fundraising or in educating our volunteers with your expertise.

Whatever you may want to do, rest assured that you will be fully trained before taking up duties. (back)