Providing care at Heathlands Village
September 19, 2008 14:51Now retired, the former owner of a fashion shop has volunteered at Heathlands Village care home in Prestwich since 1982. She previously volunteered with the League of Jewish Women and Scope
Why Heathlands?
I have always been drawn to elderly people
What does your volunteering involve?
I visit Heathlands most days, providing care and support wherever it is needed. I give manicures to the residents - men and women - which not only makes them feel special because they are being pampered, but it also gives them one-to-one befriending. I also help at meal times; I feed those residents who need assistance and this, again, provides one-to-one attention. I help in the coffee lounge and assist on trips out and at evening concerts.
What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
I love to see how the residents' faces light up when I walk in. I love talking to them and listening to them tell me about their lives.
What are your most memorable volunteering moments?
Being nominated and winning the Heathlands Village Volunteer of the Year award in 2007. I was flattered. Another memorable moment has to be more than 20 years ago when I worked with residents with dementia. There was a darling lady who did not respond to anyone, even her son, but she used to wait in the corridor for me, she used to smile and I even got her to dance. Her son told me that he enjoyed coming to see her when I was in, to see her smiling.
Nominate a volunteer to honour: community@thejc.com