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3 mins read 30 August 2024“My name is Pauleen West, and I’ve had the privilege of volunteering at RSL LifeCare Ron Middleton VC Gardens in North Richmond for the past ten years. It’s been an incredible journey, and I feel honoured to be recognised for my efforts, especially recently when I received the NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year award. It was, and still is, a great honour to be acknowledged in this way.
I started volunteering here when the residential care home first opened, and there were only eight residents. At the time, I was a pastoral care coordinator at St Monica’s Catholic Church and I was putting volunteers into different residential care homes in the area and when RSL LifeCare Ron Middleton VC Gardens opened, I introduced some volunteers to it. I worked in that role for a couple of years and after my role ended, I asked if I could continue as a volunteer, to which the management said yes. I couldn’t imagine not being a part of this community.
Every Monday, I run a book club, and on Tuesdays, I visit residents who may have received bad news or are in palliative care. Sometimes, I just meet new residents to help them feel welcome. On Fridays, I often assist with the church service. I love getting to know each resident and offering whatever support I can. When I introduce myself to new residents, they sometimes ask me, “What room are you in, dear?” It makes me smile, and I gently tell them, “I’m not here yet.” Sitting with the elderly, hearing their stories, this is what I find most fulfilling. Their experiences, their lives, are so rich, and I feel privileged and humbled to be trusted with those memories.
I’ve built great friendships with the RSL LifeCare team members too, and together, we create a warm, welcoming environment for everyone here. If there’s one message I’d like to share with others, it’s this: Don’t waste another minute. If you have the time and the heart for it, volunteering in aged care is incredibly rewarding. It benefits both the residents and the team members. Even at 86, living independently, I find volunteering energising. The trust RSL LifeCare has placed in me is a great gift, and it’s what keeps me going.
So, if you’re thinking about volunteering, just go for it. It’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do.” – Pauleen West, RSL LifeCare volunteer.
If you would like to volunteer at RSL LifeCare, please click here.
Continue Reading
3 mins read 5 December 2024
A Life of Giving: Jan McGuire’s 18 Years of Volunteering at RSL ANZAC Village
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Ready to make a decision
but not sure where to start?
We can help.
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27 Retirement Living Villages across NSW & ACT
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29 Residential Care homes across NSW & ACT
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22 Home Care service locations across NSW, ACT & QLD
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5 Dedicated Veteran & Family Hubs, offering free support for veterans
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