Tens of thousands of people, of all ages, volunteer to contribute enormously in retirement villages and aged care homes.
The Change Makers is the theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week, 15 to 21st May, which celebrates the vital work of volunteers.
Volunteering is at the core of the care sector. Many businesses in the sector were created by volunteers. Staff time is shared amongst the clinical needs of residents, whereas a volunteer is there purely to spend quality time with residents. It’s not just the residents who reap the benefits of the volunteer experience, the volunteers themselves gain a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment from their role.
HammondCare has about 750 volunteers and it is looking for more people willing to give 1-2 hours a week for 12 months or longer in the community, in aged care homes or hospitals.
In November 2020, The Age Care Census 2020 stated there were 11,980 volunteers in residential aged care (a decline of 49% from 2016) and in retirement living, volunteers help with social activities, act as companions, and help with transportation.
Volunteering has been central to HammondCare’s Mission since the independent charity’s beginnings 90 years ago. It has launched Share Joy – Volunteer with Us campaign to find people keen to make a real difference in volunteering roles in NSW, the ACT and VIC.