Volunteers can add an extra dimension to the quality of life for our elderly residents and we welcome volunteers of all ages.

Anything that can add an additional interest or a variety of “faces” for our residents helps to stimulate them and keep them as mentally active as possible.

While we care for the residents physical and health needs, we appreciate the many skills and interests of our volunteers, from running classes in activities they can enjoy to just having someone to talk with.

It is a two-way process and many volunteers say they find it rewarding too.

There are a number of benefits including the way in which it can change your perceptions of certain things and can allow you to build long-lasting friendships with residents and staff in the facility. It can also put your own problems into perspective.

Spending time as a volunteer helps to keep you busy and stimulated as well and of course, helping other people can help you to feel good about yourself.

But in some cases, it can also provide valuable experience towards a new career. Just by hearing from and sharing our residents’ stories you can learn about new pieces of history.

There is a special type of volunteer, called a Memory Volunteer, and this can be helpful to our residents especially in the early stages of dementia.

As a memory volunteer you will sit with an older person and encourage them to explore their past. This may involve taking notes of family history, looking at old photos or providing prompts such as old books and newspapers, or music, that may prompt recollections. Some charities offer training in this kind of volunteering.

As a care home we have a responsibility to ensure that all those who come into contact with our residents are trustworthy and reliable and that we are not putting them in any way at risk.

This many mean that we have to carry out a DBS Check on people who will be in regular contact with them.

However, generally the check is most likely to be required if that person will be providing any of the following:

• Personal care i.e. eating/ drinking/ washing/going to the toilet.
• Cash, bills, shopping.
• Conveying/transporting due to age, illness or disability.
• Social work

If you are thinking of volunteering with us we will advise you as to whether any checks are necessary.