Braemar Recognises Volunteer with Heart of Gold

Kirsten Alpers is the first to admit that volunteering is one of the best ways to find a job you love.

The Willagee resident spent 18 months volunteering each week at Braemar Cooinda in Willagee, where she assisted with social activities in addition to running the library trolley from where residents borrowed books each week.

And it wasn’t long until she realised she had become passionate about being involved in the aged care sector, embarking on a training course and, most recently, gaining a position as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at the not-for-profit aged care home she has grown to love.

“I loved volunteering with Braemar, particularly because I live in the area and love the sense of community my voluntary work gave me,” says Ms Alpers, who was born in Australia but has lived in the UK, USA, Sweden and Papua New Guinea.

“And now beginning work with Braemar is just the icing on the cake because it means I can help others even more.”

Braemar Presbyterian Care Chief Executive, Wayne Belcher (OAM), says Kirsten’s dedication to residents and families is exceptional and she makes a real difference to the lives of Braemar’s residents.

“Friendship and strong relationships are so important to people’s lives and we know that having passionate volunteers and staff in aged care facilities makes a significant contribution to the quality of life of those in our care,” says Mr Belcher.

“Team members like Kirsten are so very important, as they can offer support and friendship to our elderly residents over long periods of time and really build meaningful connections; we are fortunate to have Kirsten as part of our team.”

With over 200 people in its care, Braemar operate three residential aged care facilities in the City of Melville and East Fremantle area, specialising in dementia care and palliative support.

Find out more about Braemar Presbyterian Care.