Rosemary Hedges collected $110 for the prevention of elder abuse as Villa Care Centre recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Hedges is one of 20 volunteers at the home who was honoured for their efforts as part of Seniors' Month commemorations.

Villa Care Centre supports prevention of elder abuse
Ribbon campaign among many ways that residents serve others
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey
Rosemary Hedges didn’t hesitate when it came to helping the Villa Care Centre recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

She joined other residents at the Jarlette Health Services home in making purple lapel ribbons for awareness day on June 15, then handed the ribbons out in exchange for monetary donations to the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

“I was quite proud to do it,” Hedges says, adding that the issue of elder abuse “should be brought forward.”

“I think it’s one of the most terrible things in the world. There shouldn’t be any abuse in the world at all, let alone elder abuse.”

Volunteer services and therapeutics co-ordinator Sharon Randall approached Hedges with the idea for the campaign, which she thought was wonderful.

In total, Hedges collected $110. She approached staff, residents and families for their support and says “everybody was extremely generous.”

This work is one of the ways that Hedges helps out around the home. She’s among 20 residents recognized for their volunteer efforts at an outdoor strawberry social held June 15 as part of the Midland long-term care home’s Seniors’ Month commemorations.

More than 100 people, including families, friends and residents, watched each resident volunteer receive a pin and ribbon.

Hedges says it “felt good” to be recognized. She’s only been at Villa Care for four months but enjoys helping to prepare the home’s newsletter for distribution and whatever else she may be asked to do.
Hedges attends residents’ council meetings and hopes to become a member of the council.

“I enjoy doing things like that, and I always have,” she says, adding that she’s like her mother in wanting to be involved.

Hedges says that volunteering makes residents feel special and they’re contributing to something worthwhile.

Volunteer co-ordinator Maureen Sonser says resident volunteers give their time and energy in many ways, ranging from visiting with other residents to rolling coins from vending machines that support the home’s volunteer board.

Residents may approach staff to volunteer in some way, or staff may ask them about an opportunity to help, based on their interests, skills and past activities.

Randall says that seniors understand and embrace the concept of being of service to others. Volunteers feel pride in their accomplishments and being able to help others, so the home supports residents in that commitment.

“What we’re doing is assisting residents to find roles that they can manage successfully, and working with them when they need our help or direction,” Randall says. “Most important of all, we’re celebrating what our seniors can do.”

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