STAWELL - Volunteers are needed to help care for some of the residents at the Macpherson Smith Nursing Home in Stawell.
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The nursing home is currently home to 36 permanent residents and there are two volunteer programs which would provide great benefit to residents from people willing to give them a helping hand.
The new volunteer 'Meal Buddy' program to assist residents with meal times, will focus on people who have difficulty with their meals.
"Some of our residents experience difficulty eating their meals," Nurse Unit Manager, Robyn Leslie said.
"Meal times that are supported by volunteers, will improve our residents health and wellbeing and their overall experience."
Volunteers can help residents by opening dinner lids, positioning meal trays, pouring tea or coffee and assisting with the meal or providing company while the person is eating their meal.
Volunteer activities assistants are also needed to assist residents to participate in the activities and programs being held in and around the nursing home.
"Assisting other people to participate in both group activities and on a one-on-one basis, providing companionship by walking, reading and talking, greatly improves the health and wellbeing of our residents," Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator, Sonja Whelan said.
If you would like to brighten up the life of a resident at the Macpherson Smith Nursing Home, opportunities are available seven days a week.
There are two shift options as a meal buddy, lunch time from 12-1.30pm and evening meal 5-6.30pm. Activity assistant opportunities are available from 10.30am-3.30pm each day.
"We do not expect volunteers to put in long hours. Their contribution can be as little as a couple of hours a day, once or twice a week," Ms Whelan said.
"Our volunteers are an essential part of the team."
Interested people will need to complete an application and undergo a police check. Appropriate training will be provided for all volunteers.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Macpherson Smith Nursing Home, please visit the Stawell Regional Health website www.srh.org.au or call Jackie Peacock 5358 8585 Mondays and Tuesdays from 8.30am to 5pm or email jackie.peacock@srh.org.au.