Dynamic duo Brent Clifford and his chihuahua Dolly have been volunteering at Juniper Hillcrest Residential Aged Care Home in Geraldton for the past seven years, creating fans aplenty along the way.
Brent recently celebrated his 75th birthday, in the same year that Juniper marks 75 years. Here, Brent shares the joys of volunteering in aged care.
“I have been volunteering at Juniper since 2017 when my Mum became a resident at Juniper Hillcrest
She is still there at 96 – although not enjoying the best of health.
I visit her most days, often with my daughter Rochelle and our long-haired chihuahua Dolly, who is six years old.
We often have a small half glass of wine together (not Dolly) which Mum really enjoys.
Bringing Dolly to Juniper Hillcrest is a highlight of the day for many of the residents.
When we visit with Mum, Dolly rides on Mum’s wheel chair which allows residents and staff to make a fuss of her, which she of course loves.
When we get to the home, Dolly leads the way as she knows Mum’s room. She sits on Mum’s lap while we are there, then leads us out at dinner time.
Dolly is allowed in dining room to meet and greet her ‘fans’ until it is time for staff to begin to serve food, when she has to leave immediately.
As a volunteer, I visit many residents to have a chat most days.
I have also been involved in the breaking down timber pallets and milling them to a smoother finish with my thicknesser as required.
Since Hillcrest has been lucky enough to acquire a wheelchair-enabled bus for taking residents out, I have been involved as a driver, taking residents on trips around the city of Geraldton and beyond.
It is really great to see them enjoy these little outings so much. We all have a lot of fun.
It gives me a lot of satisfaction seeing the enjoyment that volunteering can bring to residents.
In my 75th year, I am still keen to volunteer, for as long as my health allows me!”
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