Graeme
“It is a privilege each Friday morning to visit two gentlemen, Alan and then Max, at the Bolton Clarke Aged Care facility in Lilydale. We have a good time of sharing about life and, in particular, the football as one of them is a keen Essendon supporter and the other is a Collingwood supporter.
In the warmer months, I was able to take one of them for a walk in a wheelchair around part of Lilydale Lake and the other, to go outside for a walk around the garden stopping to sit for a while in the warmth of the sun. Both of them really enjoyed this opportunity of getting out whenever the weather was suitable and we all look forward to doing that again when the weather warms up once more. Both of these gentlemen seem to look forward to this time and of having this interaction each week.”
Keith
“Since Senior’s Hope began last year I have been visiting the Aged Care facility (Bolton Clarke Lilydale) on a weekly basis. The man I was visiting was Ron who was in his early eighties and was mostly confined to his room. Although he had several health issues he enjoyed watching television and spending time on his computer. Our conversations were mainly about the work he did in the days long ago.
His great love was for English Ford cars, particularly competitive racing which he had some involvement with. The object of Senior’s Hope is to bring friendship to people who have few visitors, limited mobility and socially inactive. Our aim is to brighten their day and engage their interest through conversation, reading etc. Another aim is to try and engage in Spiritual sharing if this is possible.
Ron’s health had a sudden decline and after a short stay in hospital he passed away about 3 weeks ago. Ron never married and had no family, I hope I was able to bring a little cheer into his life.”
Joyce
“I commenced visiting at Bolton Clarke in October 2023 at the start of the program and found it both a joy and a challenge. Joan was my first lady I met. She will be 95 next week and although she is confined to her room due to medical issues she has a very grateful attitude and speaks very highly of the staff and care she receives. Her husband passed away many years ago. Gardening, dancing, cooking and sewing. She has been very active in the sport throughout her life so that creates some conversations although she forgets what she has been watching. We share afternoon tea each Tuesday but finding conversation topics can be challenging. I sometimes run out of ideas. Joan is a “Royalist” so I have started making small videos on the history of the Windsor Family to show at visits. She always expresses her thanks for the visit. I pass onto her the monthly Christian journal ‘Challenge Magazine’ which she reads.
I started visiting another lady who name is Mary, about 3 weeks after Joan. Mary turned 99 in May. Mary is quite frail but is mobile. Her vision and hearing impairment impacts her social connections. She has 3 sons, who live in WA, NSW and Tasmania and her daughter is in California. Her memory oscillates at times but she is delightful and appreciates my visits.
As we walk around the facility she introduces me to everyone as ‘my friend.’ Books and reading were of great interest to her so I asked her if I could read to her. You can see by the way she handles books that she treasures them. She enjoyed the “Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Boom but recently her concentration span has reduced. Visits vary each week depending on the day. Reading Scriptures and praying with her at times is very precious. It has been a joy to know and visit her.“
Brian
“I was thrilled recently because the person I visit basically never leaves his room. His meals are all brought to him & he rarely if ever participates in any of the communal programs & activities that are available at the Bolton Clarke facility. However on one Sunny day I asked Maureen if it would be possible to get my assigned person into a wheelchair. This required staff to use a hoist etc to achieve that. It was a real thrill for me to be allowed the responsibility to navigate him to the lovely outdoor garden area. This required negotiating several passageways & the use of a lift to get there. The daffodils & jonquils were on show as well as ‘birds of paradise’ blooms, the herb garden & other interesting things to see, smell & touch. There was also birds to hear & wind chimes to rustle. We stayed outside for about an hour & I believe we both enjoyed the “escapade & escape” very much.”
Stories from Seniors Hope Volunteers
We are excited to share a new Seniors Hope venture at the Chirnside Views Aged Care facility, where our volunteer Heather Carson is leading a wonderful project called “Knit and Natter.” Each Tuesday morning, a group of ladies gather with Heather to knit and crochet items for premature babies at Box Hill Hospital.
In just the past few months, they have lovingly created 108 bonnets, 13 jackets, and 28 blankets – an incredible achievement! 💜
This is just one inspiring example of how Seniors Hope volunteers are bringing friendship, purpose, and hope to seniors in local aged care centres.
Please continue to keep both our volunteers and the people they serve in your prayers.
