Deborah’s story is a heartwarming example of how volunteering can make a meaningful impact on others as well as lead to personal fulfillment.
Since October last year, Deborah has found purpose, friendship and connection at the Residential Aged Care home in Wembley.
Deborah’s journey into this role was inspired by her niece, who is a part-time aged-care worker and often expressed a desire for more quality time with residents.
She felt that sitting down with a resident and having a cup of tea was something that she could do. After some research, she found that there was an opportunity to become a one-on-one companion at MercyCare.
In her role at the Residential Aged Care home, Deborah provides companionship and quality time with residents.
She now considers the residents she interacts with as her friends, cherishing one-on-one time reading together, or simply chatting.
Recently she became part of a book club where residents read a book and discuss each chapter together – a source of joy and social connection for everyone involved.
The special moments and relationships formed from her time volunteering are deeply rewarding for Deborah.
A recent success involved a resident who hadn’t been outside since Deborah began volunteering. With patience and care, she finally convinced the resident to take a lovely wheelchair walk together outside – an achievement that reflects the trust she’s built. Moments like these inspire and fuel Deborah’s passion for volunteering.
Beyond being a companion to residents at Wembley, Deborah also volunteers at King’s Park, reflecting her love for nature and conservation.
Balancing volunteering with raising two children requires careful planning, as both are a significant time commitment for her.
As a result, Deborah’s advice for aspiring volunteers emphasises the importance of not taking on too much in the beginning to avoid burnout. She also suggests exploring different approaches and ideas when engaging with others.
