Tweed Heads local and former retiree Margie Heffernan started her volunteering journey in aged care to simply spend time with those living with dementia but it quickly turned into much more.
Margie lives in the same complex as Bolton Clarke’s Raffles residential care home and thought she’d spend some of her free time volunteering.
“I was out walking the dog around the complex one day and literally stuck my head in the door to ask if they were taking volunteers and they couldn’t sign me up fast enough,” Margie said.
“I have always done volunteering while I worked so after retirement I knew I needed something and was trying to figure out what.
“I wanted more purpose in my life but not a full-time job.”
May 20 – 26 is National Volunteer Week – Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering highlighting its important role within our communities.
After starting her volunteer role at the residential care home, Margie quickly became acquainted with the team and residents.
“I started bringing my beagle Daphne in once a week and seeing the residents’ smiles is just beautiful.
“My initial idea was that maybe I would just spend some time with those people who may not get regular visitors or those with dementia.
“But very quickly I got involved in the activities, assisting residents to get to dinner and playing games with them.”
Margie had experienced what it was like to have a loved one in aged care and living with dementia after helping her mother for a number of years.
“I owned a travel agency for 22 years and had clients with dementia, then there was my mum who we helped my dad care for,” she said.
“Now, I seem to have a knack for connecting with residents living with dementia.
“I just love to sit down and have a chat with them about their lives.”
Margie has now joined the team as a Lifestyle Assistant and works part-time at the home lending a much-needed hand to assist residents to live a happy and active lifestyle.
“I just love working with all the residents and before now, didn’t know much about the lifestyle side of things but it’s fantastic,” she said.
“I walk out of here every day and feel like I’ve made a difference, so hopefully I am!”
