Volunteers Make a Difference
20 August 2010
Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference. This is certainly the case at the Western District Health Service residential aged care facility ‘The Birches’ with five new volunteers making a big difference ..
The new volunteers all attended an information session earlier this year to learn more about The Birches and how they might be able to help. The Birches is a 45-bed Specialist Extended Care facility, which includes dementia care, palliative care, psycho geriatric care, and respite care.
Birches Diversional Therapist Julianne Gould said “It took a little time to get The Birches volunteer program up and running, but we are now seeing the results. These wonderful volunteers have really enriched the lives of the people they visit.” 
Ms Gould said ” the volunteers are being very proactive in the activities they do with the residents. They bring in flowers, chocolates, and even information downloaded from the internet. One volunteer has been helping a resident with a sewing project. Others teach and play cards, provide gentle hand massage, or read short stories and poetry”.
“We noticed really quickly that the weekly visits were helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and loneliness for the residents”. This is a wonderful outcome for the residents of course, and it enhances the work done by our staff.” she said
If you would like more information about volunteering at The Birches or The Grange Residential Care Service, please contact Jeanette Ryan on 5551 8284.
Photo caption: Volunteer Kaylene Sandford with Birches resident Caroline McInnes