Volunteers find joy in seeing people in aged care homes
Carolina has been visiting Gisa every Tuesday for months now through the Department of Health and Aged Care's Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS).
The ACVVS involves volunteers visiting older people to provide friendship and companionship. Carolina finds her weekly visits with Gisa extremely positive.
“Each time I visit Gisa, I am greeted with a warm smile that instantly brightens my day. Gisa’s mother tongue is Italian and mine is Spanish, but we communicate in English. Our conversations flow effortlessly, transcending any language barrier,” said Carolina.
“What I cherish most is the ultimate lesson she embodies; regardless of the circumstances we face, maintaining a smile is essential. Gisa often shares anecdotes from her life, recounting whimsical stories from her childhood. One particularly memorable tale is about the time she decided to cut her own hair at twelve, resulting in an unexpected haircut that left her giggling at the absurdity of it all. Her stories of travel are equally captivating, painting vivid pictures of places she’s visited and the love she holds for her parents and partner.
“Our time together is filled with laughter, whether we’re watching the antics of “Mr. Bean” or enjoying leisurely walks in the park, surrounded by flowers. We sip coffee and soak in the beauty around us, relishing the simplicity of the moment. Through these shared experiences, Gisa has taught me that true happiness often resides in life’s simplest pleasures.
“Her unwavering spirit and joyful outlook remind me that even in challenging times, a smile can make all the difference. Each volunteer visit deepens my appreciation for the little things, and I am grateful for the lessons of happiness I’ve learned from Gisa over these past months.”
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