For many of us, getting involved in groups or going to work or volunteering, gives us a sense of purpose and pride.
It’s important that people living in care homes have the opportunity to take part in activities that are meaningful to them, which may involve volunteering or employment opportunities.
At Exemplar Health Care, we run an initiative which encourages and supports people to take on voluntary roles in their home.
This helps people to build their confidence and gives them the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in activities that give their life meaning and purpose.
There are lots of roles that people can volunteer to do in their home – this all depends on their interests, goals and skills.
Some examples are:
- being a tour guide for visitors to the home
- interviewing potential recruits
- chairing service user meetings
- visiting other service users who are bed bound
- delivering post around the home
- gardening
- housekeeping and laundry
- planning social events.
Our care focuses on maximising independence, building everyday life skills for people and empowering them to live a fulfilled life.
Sophia Feurtado, service user engagement manager at Exemplar Health Care, shares:
“Some of the ambassadors have said to me it helps them rediscover qualities and skills that they perhaps may have forgotten that they have.
“It also helps them to build new skills and continue to act as an integral part of our society.
“People come to our homes with a history, they’ve had a life, they’ve done a lot out in the community, so why not continue to do that while they’re living here?”
Sophia also said these opportunities are changing people’s perceptions of what it is like to live in a care home.
“You often hear about when people come into care homes they think that it’s the end, they don’t know what to think, but they’re not expecting any of these types of opportunities to be available to them.
“It’s important that they don’t feel like that as it’s about maximising the quality of life for them and giving them a purpose.”
In this blog, we hear from Cherrill, Adam and Sarah about how having a voluntary role in their home has built their confidence and supported them to live a fulfilling life.
Meet Cherrill – Receptionist at Yarningdale
“Hello, I’m Cherrill and I have lived at Yarningdale ever since it opened.
“I am a service user ambassador and wanted to do this because I like to help people and speak up for them.
“I answer the telephone on reception and take messages and pass the calls to the home manager.
“The administrator left for a while and I said to Debbie, “Let me do the work until she gets back” and that is exactly what I did.
“Whilst she was away I used to work from 09.00 – 16.00 and really enjoyed it. I am still doing this now, but my days have reduced to two days a week at the moment. I also do other office work such as laminating.
“This role is amazing and it’s great when people praise me to Debbie. When I walk into reception I become a worker and when I leave I become a service user. It is all official and makes me feel proud that they trust me and there is something for me to do.”
Meet Adam – Tuck Shop Assistant at Willowbeck
“Hello, my name is Adam and I am the service user ambassador for Willowbeck.
“I am one of the tuck shop assistants at Willowbeck.
“I wanted to do this role because it will really help me to step on to volunteering in the community and getting back to working again.
“I attended an interview for this role. I was nervous but Michelle (Activities Coordinator) told me I was brilliant in my interview and that I answered questions very well. She told me that I could smash any interview!
“We have a rota for the tuck shop and I share the role with two other service users. I work on Monday and Tuesday afternoons and I am always ready and punctual for my shift. Lots of staff come down to buy things from the tuck shop and I enjoy having a laugh and winding them up.
“I have also signed up for college where I will study maths and accounts – I will certainly be able to make sure the tuck shop books balance then!”
Meet Sarah – Events Planner and Peer Buddy at Ribble View
“Hello, I’m Sarah and I have been living at Ribble View since September 30, 2020, and have settled into life here brilliantly.
“I wanted to become a service user ambassador as this role gives me a purpose. I help plan our four weekly activity plans and I have done some interviewing for new colleagues.
“Helping me to plan things gives my life meaning and the staff come to me to show people around.
“I have also made friends with another service user and I am a befriender and peer buddy.
“I love doing these things as it makes me feel good and I understand how they feel having been in the same position myself.”
