Iona Care Home: Pat Still Singing After 30 Years

Pat has been part of life at Iona Care Home for more than 30 years, and her involvement in community singing continues to bring comfort and connection to residents. She first came along to support an older woman at a singalong and simply stayed.

Today, Pat is there every Wednesday morning, supporting the session alongside pianists and fellow volunteers. About once a month, she leads the singing. Residents are invited to choose their favourite songs when they can. When they can’t, they sit and listen, and the music still reaches them.

Pat recalls residents by name, often alongside the song they loved — from It’s a Long Way to Tipperary to Sunshine of Your Smile. One moment that stays with her is seeing a woman from the dementia unit sitting quietly, then noticing she was mouthing the words to a song.

Volunteering fills Pat’s days with something she enjoys. She says it is lovely to know she is doing something worthwhile. Recently, a resident leaned over, touched her arm and said, “Oh, we do love you coming.” For Pat, it is simply nice to feel appreciated — something she says reflects the care shown by Presbyterian Support Otago.

Story written by Presbyterian Support Otago for our Volunteer Celebration Stories campaign to celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026.