She lost her husband less than six months ago but for Juniper volunteer Brenda Loxley, returning to the place where she had spent the past two years visiting her loved one has helped her cope with her grief.
Brenda’s husband Dennis was a beloved resident at Juniper Sarah Hardey Residential Aged Care Home in Kelmscott for two years, but sadly passed away in June this year.
During his two years at Juniper Sarah Hardey, Brenda would visit Dennis every day and developed a good rapport with staff and residents.
“When I told people I was going to volunteer at Juniper Sarah Hardey they told me I was crazy,” Brenda recalled.
“And it was very hard at first going back there without Dennis. But I enjoy visiting and look forward to seeing the residents every week.”
Volunteering at the home once a week since July, Brenda often supports Sarah Hardey’s therapy staff with group activities like bingo, and checks in on residents who she now considers her friends.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face, then I’m happy.” Juniper Sarah Hardey volunteer Brenda.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face, then I’m happy,” she said.
“I like to have a laugh with residents, and it’s nice to have a chat with them about their day.”
She added that volunteering in her free time has not only kept her busy, but has also helped her cope with the grief of losing Dennis.
No stranger to volunteering, Brenda has been a volunteer at her local bowls club organising lunches for the past seven years.
At 80 years young, Brenda is happy to be spending her free time giving back to others.
“I really love it,” she said. “It keeps me busy and it makes me feel happy knowing I’m helping others.”
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