Today we introduce Faye Thompson who has been volunteering at Arcare Maidstone for over 11 years. She now volunteers around four and a half days a week at the residence, and she shares with us her story of how she started volunteering and why she never left.
How long have you been volunteering for?
11 years – started just after Arcare Maidstone opened, my mother moved in and I started volunteering soon after and then continued on after she passed away a few months later.
How often do you volunteer?
4 and a half days a week
Tell us a bit about yourself… What are your hobbies? What do you do outside of volunteering?
Knitting, coffee with friends and spending time with the family
What activities do you assist with?
Bingo, knitting, the bus tours/outings, the football tips during the footy season, a bit of everything
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Arcare as a company and all its staff are lovely, I enjoy everything about volunteering.
Why did you choose to start volunteering?
I was asked when my mother moved in after they found out I liked to knit and so they asked if I wanted to do teach a class and it all started from there.
What are some of your favourite things about volunteering?
Getting to know all the residents and spending time with them.
What tips or advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering in Aged Care or at Arcare?
It’s very rewarding, the residents enjoy seeing you every time you come in and you get so much out of it not only for yourself but the residents as well.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
The staff are marvellous, and they look after me and everyone else that comes in here, I’m seen as the mother of everyone here at the residence – it’s all very rewarding!