Two retirees tell us why ageing doesn’t necessarily mean becoming less active. This pair of ‘super seniors’ explain why they’ve decided to become volunteers at The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) care homes in later life, in an effort to inspire other retirees to take-up volunteering in their local communities too.
Mo Credit: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Mo’s story
I’m 76 and have been a volunteer for nearly 5 years, first at OSJCT Woodmead, and then transferring to Ashwood Care Centre; both are in Wiltshire and have really lovely managers and staff.
I had an elderly ex-neighbour resident in OSJCT Woodmead, so I used to go and see her and collect her washing and do her ironing, which kept me busy in between working at a local pet store, which I did until I was nearly 75 years old!
The pleasure I get from volunteering is highlighted when I see residents’ faces light up when I visit, it gives them something to think about and focus on instead of looking at four walls. I talk to them and read local books about Warminster to them, hoping to keep their minds as active as mine.
There is always a lot of fundraising to be done and I enjoy collecting for the summer and Christmas raffles from the Warminster shop owners when I can. I also collect for Air Ambulance and Marie Curie and have collecting tins around the Warminster area. I find that fundraising also keeps my mind active.
Carol’s story
I’m 69 and started volunteering at Stratford Court when my mother was a resident there. It just kind of happened and I started doing some flower arranging with the residents. After my mum died I missed going in to visit, so when we moved back to Warminster I decided to offer help again at Ashwood Care Centre.
I really enjoy helping with activities and also spending time with individual residents who just need someone to chat to.
After 30 years teaching infants as a school teacher, I wondered if I could relate well enough to older people. I soon discovered there are many similarities; they just need your time.
Mo and Carol both volunteer at The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) care homes in Wiltshire.
www.osjct.co.uk
Twitter: @OSJCT
OSJCT operates 72 homes and 16 extra care housing schemes across 6 counties: Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, West Sussex and Suffolk, and provides high quality person centred care for older people including dementia, intermediate, respite and day care, and specialised nursing. OSJCT employ approximately 4,000 staff and support more than 3,500 residents.