BaptistCare Graceford residential care celebrates its local hero
For the past 11 years, Byford grandmother and local hero Jackie Beales has been spending several days a week as a volunteer at Baptistcare Graceford Residential Care in Byford.
Scroll to Explore
29 December 2020
News
| Home Care, Aged Care Homes
For the past 11 years, Byford grandmother and local hero Jackie Beales has been spending several days a week as a volunteer at Baptistcare Graceford Residential Care in Byford.
And it seems it’s not a role she’s thinking of quitting any time soon.
“The residents all feel like my family,” Mrs Beales said. “It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to help; a wonderful way to spend your spare days and absolutely fulfilling. And you get to meet so many absolutely beautiful people.”
Mrs Beales began visiting Baptistcare Graceford when her mother, Jean Fraser, became a resident in 2005.
“When mum passed away in 2009, I missed all the other residents so much I decided to volunteer there,” she said.
More than a decade later and the 68-year-old retired librarian officer still loves helping out with activities and seeing the smiles on residents’ faces.
“I help with walks, footy tipping, running the lolly shop, coffee club, Scrabble, chair aerobics, cooking club, happy hours and whatever else they want me to do,” she said.
“But I especially love just having one-on-one visits with residents and having a good old chat with them. It’s wonderful to sit and chat with someone about their life and their family over a cuppa.”
Recognised as a local hero as part of the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Volunteer Recognition Program, Mrs Beales wants to see more Byford locals volunteering at Baptistcare Graceford.
“Many of the residents come from surroundings areas, so it’s quite likely volunteers will know some of the families from days gone by,” she said.
Mrs Beales, who grew up on a farm in Hopeland, has lived in the Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire for the past 30-plus years.
Michelle Waddington, Residential Care Manager at Baptistcare Graceford, said the title of local hero was a perfect a fit for Mrs Beales, who gave so much love and time to the Baptistcare Graceford community.
“Everyone loves this special lady who brings so much friendship and meaning into the lives of our residents,” Mrs Waddington said.
If you’re interested in volunteering opportunities, please follow this link.