Kerikeri Retirement Village Companionship (cards, tea, books and more)
Volunteers are a vital part of life at Kerikeri Retirement Village, too. We have more than 50 people, ranging from pre-schoolers to centenarians, delivering a range of services to our residents. But we’re on the hunt for more, so if you’re thinking of doing something a little different with your spare time these are some of the activities you could help with.
Book recommendations:
Kerikeri Retirement Village maintains a library from which residents can withdraw books. Our volunteers typically help residents to select books to read based on the residents’ interests and capabilities.
Reading:
Reading aloud to older individuals who have sight impairments offers a shared experience, stimulates memories, and provides comfort.
Stroll in the gardens:
Kerikeri Retirement Village has some amazing gardens for residents to enjoy. Assisted walking in these areas provides gentle exercise for those less mobile members of our community, promoting physical health and flexibility. Exposure to nature and sunlight.
Flower arranging:
Flower arranging with those of our residents who are missing their blooms and gardens. It's a meaningful and accessible outlet for self-expression that our volunteers can oversee and help with.
Card games:
Playing card games with our residents is an experience – we have some card sharks in here! Card games can stimulate fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, the enjoyment and laughter derived from these games contribute to emotional wellbeing.
Wellness chair:
This is a sensory chair that helps calm, soothe and comfort residents in our care unit, particularly dementia patients. Volunteers sit with residents during this experience to provide help and company.
Reminiscing:
Otherwise known as ‘a good chat’! Our residents’ memories are vivid and there’s so much to learn from them. Tears of laughter are not uncommon here.
Morning tea trolley:
If there’s anything our care facility residents look forward to more than the tea trolley, it’s the cheerful face of the person pushing it. This your chance for a chat and a natter, getting to know some of our residents and bringing a little of the outside inside.
Private correspondence support:
Letters, emails and texts are important for helping the elderly stay connected with friends and family. But for some of our residents, the effort involved is far too great, with the result that – slowly – they start to disconnect from others in their live
Requirements
- kind and patient
A Police background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
Flexible.
Getting Started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.