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Companion Visiting - Elmslie House (Wanaka)

Organisation:

Presbyterian Support Otago

Category:

Companionship

Hours:

Working Hours

Locations:

Wānaka, Hāwea

Located on a sunny site on the corner of Stone Street is Elmslie House, providing rest home care. A change of address, not of lifestyle, is how they describe a person’s move into a Presbyterian Support Otago home. Residents continue to have personal choices – when to get up in the morning, go on outings, be involved in activities. Some residents would like more social interaction with people outside the home and are matched with a volunteer visitor. Volunteers visit elderly people, to spend time with them, have a chat, help with a small project (e.g. sorting photos), go for a walk with them or whatever you choose. It really makes a difference, helping residents stay connected and socially active. Residents love chatting and having a laugh with volunteers who bring a little bit of the outside world in with them, making conversation about things happening in the community, places you have been, and things you have done or noticed.

In this role you will:

  • Spend 1:1 time chatting and providing social interaction with a resident.
  • Help with a small project, reading or a game that you both enjoy
  • Build rapport, have a laugh.

Benefits residents experience when you socially engage with them:

  • Gives them something to look forward to.
  • It can improve mental well-being, relieving stress and improving memory.
  • It can improve sleep and boost energy.
  • You bring a little bit of the outside world in with you.

Never underestimate the power of one volunteer hour! You will gain satisfaction from enabling residents to be as independent as possible, and contributing to their quality of life, and experience ‘helpers high’- a rush of euphoria and the release of endorphins that occurs when you volunteer!

Requirements

The role would suit someone who:

  • Is mature, non-judgmental, open minded.
  • Has a calm nature and a good sense of humor.
  • Enjoys communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
  • Has a genuine interest in kindness and respect for the elderly.
  • Is able to relate to residents and their circumstances with empathy and patience.
  • Has good communication and listening skills
  • Understands and respects confidentiality
  • Is reliable, well presented and polite.

A Police background check is required for this role.

Time commitment

  • One hour per week or fortnight.
  • Flexible, on day that suited you.
     

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

Ref: 2405


Volunteer South's office is closed from Friday 20th December until Monday January 6th. Many organisations listing roles online will also be taking a break. During this time your requests to connect will go through, however there may be some delay in you hearing from the organisations you select. Please be patient and if you have not heard back from them by mid January email them directly and give them a nudge. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season and summer.

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