When retired horticulturalist BettyAnn signed up to volunteer at HammondCare, she didn’t expect it to be so much fun. Debbie Farr, Volunteer Coordinator from the Central West Home Care team matched BettyAnn with Miriam, 94, who lives with dementia.
Both BettyAnn and Miriam live in the tiny town of Nashdale near Orange, with a population of only 400 people. They have cherry trees growing on their farms, produce the area is famous for.
Miriam is supported by our wider Home Care team and still lives in the same house her father and grandfather grew up in.
Miriam’s niece Jen says, ‘BettyAnn is a Godsend! She’s such a great fit for Miriam.’
BettyAnn was inspired to volunteer after her daughter Kate signed up to volunteer for another organisation in Melbourne where she now lives. ‘I thought it would be a great way of giving back to the community.’
She continues: ‘I think what makes our relationship work so well is that Miriam loves going for drives, and I love driving and exploring.’
Recently they visited Cowra Japanese Garden and the famous ‘Dish’ – the CSIRO Observatory at Parkes. The pair also love singing along to music, so their adventures are filled with playlists from the 50s and 60s, Bing Crosby being a special favourite of Miriam’s.
And an added bonus for BettyAnn:
‘I didn’t know Miriam before her dementia diagnosis. I only know her as she is now, and because I’m not family, I feel she puts her best foot forward when I see her. I like when I find little nuggets of information about her life, even now, after two years of visits. One doesn’t reach her age without some really interesting things happening in their life.’
HammondCare’s Central West Team Area Manager Michelle Medlyn shares:
‘Our specialised carers support Miriam at home four times per week. Miriam is deeply connected to the land; the farm has been in her family for generations. She continues to enjoy the home and lifestyle she treasures, supported by her family and HammondCare.’
BettyAnn sees their relationship as mutually beneficial. ‘There’s always a belly laugh along the way. I’m just there for the fun stuff; our trips could range anywhere from two to five hours.
‘I love my days with Miriam.’
If you’d also like to connect with someone who has the same interests as you, let us know! Our volunteers are passionate about spending time with you – at your place and out in your local community.
Our Volunteer Services team works to understand what matters most to you, so they can match you with a team member who enjoys the same things.
Volunteers can make a difference in many ways, including arranging regular home visits to play games or go on local outings, sharing creative activities like art or music, helping with gardening, bringing along a friendly pet to visit, or simply enjoying your company and friendship. Read about our volunteering program or view our current opportunities for more details.