Year 11 student Alana Leahy began volunteering at HammondCare Wahroonga, a home for people living with dementia, to clock up her hours for the gold Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
She found the experience so fulfilling – including endless fun and laughter – she has decided to stay on.
The Mercy College Chatswood student spends time providing companionship for residents like 104-year-old Lorna Howard, including board games like Dominos and Jenga, or discussing key moments of Lorna’s long life.
Alana said: "One thing that surprised me is the sheer fun I've had."
"It might sound a bit unusual, but the residents have an incredible ability to make me laugh and smile.”
In addition to spending time with Lorna, Alana has spent time with a resident, an Italian immigrant, who had a career as an award-winning documentary and filmmaker. Alana’s ability to speak Italian, including recently spending six weeks in Italy, was helpful in adding to the resident's quality of life in his final days. Sadly, he recently passed away.
Alana is one of about 10 high school students volunteering in HammondCare’s residential aged care homes – a number that the health and aged care charity would like to see grow. Another eight young people are aged 19.
As HammondCare marks National Student Volunteer Week, Head of Volunteer Services Belinda Holst said it was a win-win for everyone for young people to volunteer to help in aged care.
“The residents appreciate the endless energy and enthusiasm of young people,” she said. “At the same time students can learn valuable life lessons and skills as well as generating hours for awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh.
“In some cases, it could also lead to consideration of a pathway into a rewarding career in aged care.”
HammondCare offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, ranging from music and art therapy to one-on-one companionship and board games.
Alana’s decision to choose HammondCare Wahroonga to fulfill her volunteering requirements was prompted by her grandma Christina being a resident there. Her grandfather, Gerry is also a volunteer at Wahroonga. He runs a 'SingSong' program, playing the piano after lunch as the residents sing along using his self-published songbooks.
Alana said interacting with the residents has provided her with valuable life lessons.
"Through volunteering, I've learned important skills like patience and optimism," she said.
"Perhaps the most powerful lesson is realising the impact of a simple conversation. The residents have shown me how a heartfelt chat can truly brighten someone's day and leave an indelible mark.”
Would you like to explore volunteering opportunities with HammondCare? Find out more here.
