Virtual volunteers help keep seniors connected at David Buttfield Centre Residential Care
A tech-savvy 19-year-old who loves to chat, Aidan McGinty is one of a new breed of virtual volunteers at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Care in Gwelup.
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24 November 2020
News
| Aged Care Homes
A tech-savvy 19-year-old who loves to chat, Aidan McGinty is one of a new breed of virtual volunteers at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre Residential Care in Gwelup.
Since responding to Baptistcare’s appeal for online angels during a preventative lockdown in March, the Curtin University data science student has been enjoying weekly video chats with some of the seniors.
“I love talking to people, so that aspect is naturally enjoyable and I genuinely look forward to hearing the stories and advice the residents share,” Mr McGinty said.
Visitor restrictions for WA aged care facilities may have eased since the initial appeal for virtual volunteers was made, but many of the virtual volunteers still check in with their new friends using platforms such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom.
“When you talk to people regularly, you genuinely do start to care for each other,” Mr McGinty said.
Topics of conversation vary from sport and hobbies, to current affairs, school days and getting that all-important first job.
Baptistcare resident Ken Leach said his online catch-ups with Mr McGinty helped him feel connected and involved, even though video calls were a new experience for him.
“I can’t believe we can communicate this way,” said Mr Leach, who recently celebrated his 97th birthday.
“Chatting to Aidan helps keeps my brain active. He’s a real breath of fresh air and I look forward to his calls,” he said.
Baptistcare led the way when it put out the call for virtual volunteers earlier this year, helping keep residents feeling cared for and connected during lockdown.
Even though revised visitor protocols are now in place, the online angels remain an invaluable part of Baptistcare’s vibrant volunteer program.
Clare West, Therapy and Leisure Partner at Baptistcare David Buttfield Centre, said the initiative had been a great success, forging new friendships during a particularly difficult time.
“It was amazing to have our virtual volunteers during lockdown and it’s wonderful the initiative is continuing,” she said.
Some of Baptistcare’s virtual volunteers have started visiting their new friends in person, following the new protocols.
“For others, like Aidan, it’s just so great that they spend this time online with their companion. Residents’ absolutely light up when I tell them it’s video calls today,” Mrs West said.
Follow this link if you’re interested in volunteering opportunities.