Mrs Doley’s 26-year History with Resthaven

Mrs Helen Doley was no stranger to Resthaven Westbourne Park when she became a resident four months ago, after dedicating 26 years volunteering at the home, and a combined total of 79 years volunteering across various charities.

Mrs Doley says, "When I was little, I became the milk monitor for my classroom. I had the responsibility of collecting the bottled milk each morning, and I had to keep it cool during the day by topping the crate with ice."

"It was an important role for me back then, and I had a sense of pride and responsibility from it."

Since then, Mrs Doley has continued volunteering for various charities across South Australia, including 26 years with both Meals on Wheels, and Resthaven Westbourne Park, where she initiated a palliative care space for future volunteers.

"Palliative care is a natural part of aged care, and while the staff do an exceptional job with those nearing end of life, there is only so much time that they can dedicate to each individual."

"As volunteers, we have that beautiful thing of being able to give our time to those who need it."

Mrs Doley soon began training palliative care specific volunteers on site, to provide delicate care to their needs.

"The quality of life for palliative care residents is everything, and as volunteers, we can give them that from a human perspective, rather than a clinical one, and I have personally seen the positive effect this has had."

After opening the door for volunteers all those years ago, Mrs Doley became an important part of Resthaven’s rich history, and is an exemplary example of living our values of trust, dignity, and choice.

In 2001, Mrs Doley was awarded a Citizen Award from the National Australia Day Council for her selfless work in the community.

In 2009, Mrs Doley received the inaugural Palliative Care Award from the Palliative Care Council of South Australia Incorporated, for the most outstanding volunteer in an acute care setting.   

This year, Mrs Doley became a resident at Resthaven Westbourne Park, and currently enjoys knitting blankets for the homeless, continuing her service to the community. Thank you for your tireless work!

Click here to find out more about Resthaven