Meet Ruby, a volunteer visitor for the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme at Balwyn Evergreen sharing their journey for our ‘Share Your Story’ series.
A lifeline for Pauline and Ann
Ruby regularly visits Pauline and Ann. “Pauline loves to talk about her childhood. She’ll tell me stories about when she came to Melbourne and where she went to school.” Ruby says.”Ann loves sharing her traveling stories to Adelaide and what she cooks for dinner. She remembers that I visit her from time to time.”
Despite these memory challenges, Ruby sees the joy on their faces. “Sometimes, when I’m about to go, Pauline tells me she wishes I could stay longer. Ann has asked me to stay for dinner multiple times, saying she needs to shop for dinner.”It’s a bit of a bittersweet journey. Most of the time, they won’t remember me or our conversations. But they gain a bit of socialisation and get to talk about their interests with me. Most of all, they feel happy at the moment, like they’re still living their pre-aged care residency lives.”
The volunteer experience
Ruby, a 36-year-old student studying for their Master’s degree, has found great fulfillment in volunteering through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. Having been in Australia for only 18 months, Ruby values the connections she makes with older individuals. “Being part of Balwyn Evergreen has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Building connections and brightening their day through companionship is a fulfilling journey. I am proud to be part of a program that brings joy and support to those who need it, says Ruby. The volunteering experience not only enriched my professional experience but also strengthened my social connections and provided great support to my mental health. As an international student away from home, volunteering offers a social opportunity to connect with people.”
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme is a life-changing program that supports regular volunteer visits to give friendship and companionship to older people in your community. Volunteers can visit their matched older person for a minimum of one hour a fortnight at a time that suits them both. You don’t need any experience or qualifications to become an ACVVS volunteer; you just need the capacity to give friendship and companionship to someone who needs it.
