HammondCare At Home client Merle is a regular visitor to Ironbark Social Club, Hammondville, where she enjoys meeting other people within her local community. Her two favourite days of the week are Thursday, when she attends social club, and Monday - when she receives a home visit from HammondCare volunteer Lyn.
One Thursday we had the pleasure of chatting with Merle, she’d just been to see a concert with her social club friends. “I love getting out into the community. I look forward to the company, the nice meal, and the lift home at the end of the day. I’m now 97, with no family of my own, and I don’t drive anymore. It means a lot to have this support.”
When Lyn visits on Mondays the pair spend most of their time together in the garden – a passion they both share. Lyn helps Merle with the planning, planting, watering, weeding - all the activities required to keep Merle’s garden going. Lyn takes Merle shopping for plants, too, recommending which plants to buy that would suit her garden and the local climate.
There’s always time during Lyn’s visit for a cuppa and a chat. “Lyn might stay for lunch; it depends on what time of the day she visits. I can talk about anything with her. We share our love of gardening – roses are my favourite. Gardening is usually a big part of the discussion! We’re going shopping together soon. I have my favourite roses on the shopping list already, Mr Lincoln, Double Delight and Peace.
“Lyn shares parts of her life with me, too. She loves horses, just like my mother did. I’m more of a dog person myself. They’re not as big! We used to ride horses when I was young. I got tossed off my horse once and landed in a pond. It was such a shock at the time. I wasn’t keen on horses after that.”
HammondCare takes the time to match the right volunteer for you. For Merle, someone with a passion for gardening was the right fit. Her family all earned a living as gardeners, so gardening is in her blood.
Merle adds: “Lyn is like family to me. She makes me feel confident and calm, gives me a sense of connection, of community. And she always makes time for a hug before she leaves.”
If you are interested in being matched with a volunteer feel free to contact us anytime 24/7 on 1800 826 166.