When Mercy Health carer Joanne Downey retired after 19 years of work at the end of last year, her colleagues and friends quite rightly thought she’d be looking forward to easing gently into retirement.
But, after working at Mercy Place Lathlain for close to two decades, the Maddington resident wasn’t ready to say goodbye completely and instead put her hand up to volunteer at the nursing home.
Six months later, Joanne says she loves still being involved with staff and residents at the Carlisle-based nursing home, where she now volunteers each week, assisting with activities, events and outings – as well as enjoying a good catch up over a cuppa with residents, many of whom she has known for years.
“I really enjoy my voluntary work at Mercy Place Lathlain; volunteering makes me feel like I am giving something back to the community and gives me a real sense of achievement,” says Ms Downey.
“I look on the residents as part of my family and I really enjoy their company. I’ve got to know them very well and I like to go around and talk to each of them individually, as well as participate in events and activities in which they’re also involved.”
Mercy Health WA State Manager, Anita Ghose, said Mercy Health was extremely appreciative of its wonderful volunteers, like Joanne.
“We have an incredible group of dedicated volunteers of all ages who help make Mercy Health the real community it is, and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” she says.
Anyone who is keen to find out about more volunteering opportunities at Mercy Place Lathlain, can call Karen Bahn, Acting Service Manager, on 08 9361 8969. Mercy Health is a Catholic community not-for-profit provider of care, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and grounded in a 2,000-year history of caring for those in need. The organisation is a national service provider of health and aged care throughout Victoria, Southern New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. In Western Australia, the organisation cares for over 300 people across six residential homes, with 78 independent living units.