Octogenarian Volunteer Proves Age Is No Barrier

Who says life stops as you get older? Having worked in paid roles until she was 75 years of age, Dodi was well entitled to put up her feet. Instead she offered her time as a volunteer.

With a varied and productive life, Dodi would likely agree, she has had been very fortunate. “I’ve always believed we need to help those who can’t look after themselves,” she reveals.

And her longevity is making a big difference and impact to the lives of residents and clients at MannaCare.

One of the staff discloses, “Dodi has been volunteering every Wednesday for some years at Grevillea House. She is very familiar with all the clients; she reads the daily news and entertains them about her busy week.”

Dodi has remarked that volunteering has been “an experience that has proved life-changing for her. It is so unfair and heartbreaking that dementia affects so many wonderful people in so many walks of life.  I hope and pray that a cure and understanding of it is just around the corner.”

As part of her volunteering, Dodi enjoys giving hand massages, as well as “engaging residents in discussions where they can remember things, we go for walks and do other activities.”

Staff say Dodi uses “her sense of humour” to support clients in ways that make them feel less lonely and isolated.  “Staff and clients truly treasure her. She has made a big impact to the lives of those at Grevillea House.”

For Dodi her experience as a volunteer makes her feel “so grateful that I have my own good health and can remember so much of my good life. At my age, who knows what comes next?”

Find out more about MannaCare.