Gloria Todd - Enriching Residents' Lives at Iona Aged Care Home

June 2025

Gloria Todd first came to Iona when her mother moved in and began joining in with activities to encourage her mum to participate. After her mother passed away, Gloria realised how much she enjoyed spending time with the residents and asked if she could continue on as a volunteer.

Several years later, Gloria now leads Iona’s weekly Wellness Group, focused on gentle movement and exercise. She walks the corridors encouraging as many residents as she can to join in. If there aren’t many takers, she stays to chat — often for over two hours — always offering warmth and connection.

Gloria also helps with Housie, a role she used to do every Saturday and now continues every second Saturday. She gathers residents, calls the numbers, takes them back afterward, and even resets the chapel for Sunday’s church service.

On Wednesdays, Gloria supports Iona’s Homeshare group, helping to care for visiting dementia clients. Her role includes running games, chatting about current events, taking people out for a drive, assisting with lunch, and cleaning up afterward.

If that wasn’t already enough, Gloria also volunteers in the dementia unit each week — helping with games, colouring, or simply spending time in the garden.

Gloria is a huge asset to Iona. She arrives with a bright smile and a joyful presence that lifts everyone around her. The lives of the residents and staff are so much richer with her as part of the Iona family.