Residents inspire ambitious care home volunteer in career plans

A 16-year-old volunteer never imagined her midwifery career plans would lead to volunteering with older people - but she’s pleased it has.

Danni, 16, a student at Woking College, joined our home last year. After looking for volunteer opportunities to support her university applications, Danni said she fell in love with our home as soon as she went for a tour.

“I want to be a midwife,” she said. “I never thought I’d volunteer with older people because it’s the complete other end of the spectrum, but the opportunity came up and I love it. I’ll do a hospital placement during my university degree, so this is a fantastic way to gain additional experience in a very different environment.”

Danni volunteers here every Saturday and has found the residents inspiring.

“The residents are all characters and have such stories behind them. Some of them have incredible life stories and seeing them work hard to overcome their own challenges day to day is inspiring. One resident has even said to me she ‘doesn’t like to give up on things, and she believes that you should make the most out of everything.’ I’m drawn to that because I’m ambitious and it encourages me to do well.”

“It’s obviously very different to midwifery but there are a lot of similarities too.” Danni added. “For me, it’s all about supporting people – the residents and their families. Here, it’s about making sure the residents are happy, engaged and comfortable, as well as giving them new experiences.

“It’s very hands-on and the residents are certainly never bored. My favourite thing is anything to do with music because you can see how deeply the residents connect to it. The team inspire me too, they work so hard and really enjoy what they do and I joke that if midwifery doesn’t work out, I’ll work at Claremont Court.”

For fellow volunteer and retiree Carol James, spending time at Claremont Court two mornings a week, is a source of comfort following the loss of her husband last year.

“It gives me a purpose,” she said. “It’s a real community within the home and I love talking to the residents about family and the activities we’ve done that morning.”

Our home’s lifestyle team lead, Sheila, works closely with both volunteers.

“They are a brilliant help to us, and they go above and beyond for our residents,” she said. “They are an asset to the team, and we can see how much joy and comfort they bring. They are so good with everyone and so patient and caring.

“It’s lovely that volunteering here also gives a lot back to them both in very different but powerful ways. It’s another way we build relationships and keep our residents connected with the community.”

Carol’s mum, Joyce Warner, was a resident here for five years and Carol became part of our family during that time, regularly joining in with the entertainment and birthday celebrations.

“When mum lived at the home, we were there all the time,” Carol continued. “It was part of my routine, and I just loved going in, it was so welcoming and comfortable.” she explained. “If Mum was asleep when I visited, I’d help out with the other residents. When she passed away, I just wanted to carry on visiting. The team are such lovely people and so friendly – they always have been.”

Carol now enjoys supporting residents on trips out and helping with the home’s Namaste Care sessions – an important part of our dementia care. Namaste Care involves a range of holistic, sensory therapies including aromatherapy, hand massages and sound and light therapy, designed to promote deep rest and relaxation.

“We’ll go to garden centres, or the deer park when we go out, or if the weather isn’t great, we’ll do Namaste Care,” Carol said. “I’ll give residents hand massages which are very soothing.

“I love helping and connecting with older people. I have first-hand experience of dementia and I understand the challenges. Through volunteering, I hope I’m making a difference to their lives.”

Both Carol and Danni enjoy spending quality time with the residents and getting involved in the wide range of activities, from playing football on the interactive OMi table, sensory games and music quizzes, to sharing a cup of tea and a biscuit or heading out on trips. They also offer gentle, sensory support, such as holding hands or touching a resident’s arm while chatting, helping residents to feel calm and reassured.

We pride ourselves on our philosophy that living with dementia doesn’t mean you can’t maintain a good quality of life. This was recognised last year when Claremont Court won the Best Specialist Care – Dementia category at the National Care Home Awards, an achievement we are very proud of.

“There’s a misconception about care homes, especially with people my age,” Danni added, “but it’s completely different to what some people think. There’s a great atmosphere at Claremont Court. Volunteering here makes me realise that at any age you should live life to the fullest and do what you want to do – because what’s stopping you?!”

Claremont Court is a 57 en-suite bedroomed home catering exclusively for people living with advanced and complex dementia and offers residential, nursing, respite and compassionate end-of-life care.