Just the two of us and one Aussie Flick at Arcare Sanctuary Manors
Luckily, the Arcare Sanctuary Manors residence is filled with many delightfully calming outdoor areas where our clients can enjoy nature.
As a volunteer at Arcare Sanctuary Manors, I do my regular rosters of lifestyle activities that are on the dated calendar.
But occasionally if I have some spare time, I love popping into our residence to share extra moments with our clients.
Just a short visit can brighten up someone else’s day.
Today was indeed a very hot and steamy day, but as I enter the residence, I am immediately cooled by the air temperature which is always perfectly set for comfort of our clients.
I noted that two clients, a new lady named Elsie and our in-house poet June were sitting having a chat in the comfortable chair of our lounge room.
Elsie is a new client who comes from South Africa and is settling into her new life here at Arcare Sanctuary Manors.
It sometimes takes time to unpack and settle down when we downsize and come into aged care, so finding a new friend certainly helps this process.
I love it when I see someone who has been with us for some time offer a hand of friendship to share the time in getting to know each other.
Today June Courtney, who is our resident poet here, offered to share some time with Elsie in the comfort of our lounge area.
I suggested watching a movie together – a good Aussie Flick- about our country with some great Aussie actors. I recommend the movie ‘Australia’ as it is a wonderful flick.
They were so excited so at once I closed the curtains and darkened the room, as they sat comfortably together watching this fabulous Aussie drama filmed in outback Australia.
It is great to pop in and offer a small gesture as it gives another meaning to living in a 5-star residence.
It is great for volunteers to spend a bit of extra quality time in a relaxed environment sharing life and conversations, cups of tea and a few favourite movies too.
Elsie is settling in well to Sanctuary Manors as she is learning Bingo and attending other social activities.
She also loves having her meals brought to her and having her washing done for her.
Most importantly, she is making new friends.
It is a highlight for me to see new friendships develop and bloom. It is a very nice thing indeed.
Kathy Willmington, volunteer at Arcare Sanctuary Manors
