BLUE CARE aged care facilities at Maleny and Caloundra are seeking volunteers to participate in the Spirit of Caring project. The project aims to have specially trained volunteers who support residents and their families from a palliative care approach.
Project coordinator Henri Moxhet said palliative care was about living well until the final stages of life.
“Preparing for death is something traditionally we would rather not have to think about however we know that it is an experience we will all face within our lives,” Mr Moxhet said.
The Spirit of Caring project was developed over several years by Blue Care Erowal staff at Maleny. It was not until a local palliative care grant was advertised in The Range News that staff had the opportunity to make it happen.
“Having trained support volunteers means we are better able to respond to our residents’ emotional and spiritual needs as they face the latter stage of their life,” Mr Moxhet said. “Spirit of Caring support volunteers are trained to assist in creating reflective time with residents as well as respecting confidentiality and privacy.” Some of the volunteer activities include creating a garden, designing a family tree, writing letters cards or memoirs, walking around the facilities’ beautiful grounds, sharing stories or simply companionship.
Mr Moxhet said volunteers were encouraged to develop new skills and tools that supported residents’ self-awareness, self-dignity, self-care and sharing of spirit.
“Support volunteers are provided with specialised education and guidance,” he said.
Anyone interested in becoming a support volunteer can phone 07 5494 3844. Alternatively, email Henri Moxhet on h.moxhet@bluecare.org.au
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