Resthaven: Volunteer Stories

Unconditional love on a lead

Felicity and Angus love visiting residents at Leabrook.

Angus is a sheltie; an outstanding, and intensely loyal companion dog. Shelties are lively, intelligent, trainable, and willing to please and obey.

Together, they look forward to sharing good times with the residents at Resthaven Leabrook. Angus enjoys being patted, resting his jaw on a knee or two and having his tummy rubbed. This is why they have been doing this for over 10 years.

Whilst shelties are loving and affectionate with their family, they are naturally aloof with strangers. For this reason, socialisation is important.

Is your canine a potential companion?
We can show you a self assessment by the Caring Canine Association. Assessments help to ensure a canine is suitable for visiting (clean, well groomed, healthy and appropriately behaved).

Sharing the joy of music

A talented pianist, Ting hopes to one day play at the Sydney Opera House. Having emigrated from China with his family, Ting is now a student at Westminster College. He and his mother both volunteer their time at Resthaven.

When he is seated at the piano, the residents at Marion know they are in for a treat. His performances are enjoyed by residents, staff and volunteers alike.

Ting’s mother, Dr Meiping Wang, is embracing all opportunities to engage with Australian culture. Her volunteer work with Resthaven includes involvement in the ‘Respite for Carers’ program.

We are all grateful that Ting enjoys sharing his beautiful music with Resthaven residents.

Great companionship

A former school teacher, Bev now offers spiritual support to residents at Mitcham as a volunteer Chaplain’s Assistant.

She helps to provide a very caring environment, and can often be seen supporting the church service.

Bev enjoys spending special individual time with residents. A generous person, she provides comfort, companionship and prayer when required.

The delights of working with a group

I work with residents who have memory loss and confusion, both one-on-one and in a group.

Being a group facilitator is such a fulfilling and joyous role. Our group meeting begins with a carefully chosen song, bringing enjoyment and a sense of energy.

A member who loves to sing has the role of
choir-mistress, another gives a very short welcome speech. We all hold hands for a minute or two and talk about the importance of touch. We laugh and smile, yet serious issues are also shared with the group.

Each person pays a compliment to the person sitting next to them. It is really wonderful to watch a smile come to the face of the person being complimented. Giving a compliment is such a simple thing to do, yet we can easily forget how much it is appreciated.

Everyone is unique - every life is a story...

I have developed strong bonds with many of the residents through my volunteering and I have learnt much from them all. Each person is unique.
There is fun and laughter as we play games and talk of past experiences.
A question is asked, one person comes out with a quick answer, whether it sounds right or not, another has a long explanation, while another who has long appeared to be asleep, quietly gives an answer and makes us see he is with us.

When I was asked to become a visitor companion to one of these wonderful people, I started spending time with a lady who had lost her speech. She often had her TV on when I visited and I realised that she loved nature. One day she was looking at a photo album and we ended up looking at many albums over
many visits.

I would like to encourage all volunteers in this valuable work. We are needed and wanted even when we are not sure. Even a few minutes with a resident will make a difference to the day... both for the residents and us.

Bus Drivers spread the Christmas cheer!

For the last three years, Resthaven volunteer bus driver, Peter, has driven the Resthaven bus, filled with excited residents, down the main street in the Blackwood Community Christmas pageant.

Resthaven residents have joined in the pageant. They enjoy waving to the crowd and love the
community atmosphere. ‘Peter is very generous with his time, as are all our volunteer bus drivers, particularly at Christmas time.’
Volunteer Bus Driver Peter
In December, Resthaven’s team of volunteer bus
drivers get into the Christmas spirit and take our
elderly residents on special bus trips to see the wonderful displays of Christmas Lights throughout Adelaide and the hills.

'For some residents, going out at night is a rare occasion, and seeing the glorious displays of Christmas lights is a memorable evening.'

All year round, Resthaven residents thoroughly enjoy the bus trips, thanks to the volunteer bus drivers.

They visit old and new haunts, prompting reflection and reminiscing. Jaunts include visits to Hahndorf, Victor Harbor, Mt Barker, Woodside, Mount Lofty, Glenelg, Brighton and Semaphore beaches, Outer Harbor and city sites.’

‘We all greatly appreciate the time and skills donated by each of our drivers to make these trips possible.’