Meet home care direct care worker Carolyn Bunn who has only been at Uniting AgeWell for two-and-a-half years and is already making a difference.
She recently took part in the ARIIA Innovator Training Program – an initiative through Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (Flinders University) and supported by Uniting AgeWell’s Research and Innovation Team.
The program is available to people working in the aged care sector and teaches them how to identify and utilize tools and skills to make evidence-based change.
Carolyn did the 10-week program, which entailed online working, workshops and discussions. She took two days off each week (on full pay) to do so, and during the course was asked to identify a problem – and to try and find a
solution for it.
Carolyn spoke about the isolation and loneliness faced by many older people being supported to live in their homes. “They may be widowed or single, not be able to drive any more, and days may go by when the only person they see is me, or other direct care workers,” she explains. “And
while they love being in their own homes, this social isolation is not only distressing for them, but can compromise their mental health.”
So Carolyn looked at the option of older people volunteering to read to children at Mornington Primary School, or help them with their reading. And using transport provided through their home care packages to
get to and from the school.
This community-based approach is similar to the HERD Intergenerational Learning Centre, a purpose-built sharedroof childcare centre due to open in February at Uniting AgeWell Andrew Kerr Care Community where residents
and children will regularly join together for activities. “Volunteering gives people a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging,” says Carolyn. “It is also very rewarding to be able to make a difference to the lives of
others.”
Carolyn, who spent nearly 25 years working in retail and as a receptionist, is delighted her initiative is set to make a difference to her clients. And also to clients across the organisation and their local schools where a similar
program could be rolled out. Carolyn plans on trying to implement this program next year.
Are you considering volunteering for reconnection in 2023?