At HammondCare, our 750 dedicated volunteers are crucial to our care efforts. They support residents and our team by helping with various activities—cooking, nail care, arts and crafts, exercise programs, pastoral care, and day excursions, just to name a few. They also engage in simple pleasures, such as chatting over a cup of tea or taking a walk, connecting through shared interests and life experiences.
Belinda Holst, HammondCare’s Head of Volunteer Services, reflects on the invaluable contributions of volunteers during Volunteers Week, 20 – 26 May:
“Volunteers Week is a great opportunity to express our gratitude for the exceptional support provided by our volunteers. We truly appreciate their generosity, dedicating their time to improve the lives of the people we serve.”
To find out more about the impact our volunteers have, we asked one of our residential volunteers Liz about her role and what motivated her to join our team.
“For most of my adult life I have volunteered in some capacity. I’ve also been a foster carer, and an advocate for a young person with a disability. I was brought up to believe we have a responsibility to our communities, setting an example for future generations by contributing to causes larger than ourselves.”
Now that she is retired, Liz spends two days a week at one of HammondCare’s residential care homes, near where two of her young grandchildren live. Sometimes she brings them along to visit, too. Together with residents, they enjoy a variety of group activities tailored to everyone’s interests and abilities.
“One group enjoys going out for a walk to visit horses in a paddock nearby. We inspect a few gardens on the way and may see a school bus or an old clothesline, which usually starts up conversations about the past. At other times I may take them on a trip to the local harbour to see the waves,” says Liz.
When local musician Ken comes along to play music every Wednesday, Liz gets the residents involved – even dancing if they feel like it.
“You see their reactions – the slow tapping of a foot under the table. It’s great to be a part of that.”
Liz says her husband has noticed how much she enjoys volunteering, and she feels that life is more special because of it.
“The way residents greet me gives me a warm feeling and I see their eyes light up. One resident insists on doing a little jig with me. If you’re considering volunteering, be prepared to feel loved.”
We’re always looking for passionate people to help spread joy by regularly visiting our aged care homes. Read about our volunteering program or view our current opportunities for more details.