We express our gratitude to the volunteers who selflessly give their time to those in need, ensuring they are heard, seen, and acknowledged.
John spends his days with his wife Anne, the sameness of everyday life broken up by meaningful visits from Catholic Healthcare volunteer Patrick.
John is a retired lawyer, and Anne a retired schoolteacher.
Patrick has been providing compassionate care and companionship to John and Anne in their own home, who have mild-moderate to severe dementia, respectively.
‘Patience and empathy have been crucial in establishing trust and building rapport with John and Anne, allowing me to better understand and respond to their non-verbal cues.’
Keenly attuned to what John and Anne are feeling both physically and mentally at each visit, Patrick gently tailors his visits to best suit their needs on the day.
Patrick’s deep commitment to his friendship with Anne and John has led him to maintain meticulous journal entries to help keep an eye on any noticeable differences between visits.
Joyful conversations with John about the University of Sydney, where John proudly studied law, and Patrick studies pharmacy, are regularly discussed. John has been surprised to learn that female law students now outnumber males!
Discussions of the Great War and American court cases, as well as John’s love of watching Antiques Roadshow, help cement their bond.
Reflecting on the volunteer experience, Patrick has gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by those with dementia and developed a profound appreciation for the importance of empathy and human connection in healthcare.
‘Being with John and Anne has been a deeply rewarding experience that enhanced my interpersonal skills and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations,’ he said.
If you are interested in becoming a Catholic Healthcare volunteer and giving back to the aged care community, please call 02 8876 2100 or email volunteer@chcs.com.au