Become a Companion Observer volunteer at Hawkesbury

5 Nov 2018

5 November 2018 

Positions are now available for new volunteers to take on this rewarding work which assists ward staff in non-medical support of patients particularly the elderly.

Companion Observer volunteers sit one-on-one with their assigned patients and assist patients with personal care needs such as grooming, tidying up and attending to flowers.

If you volunteer you might also assist some patients with meals by setting up meal trays, opening packages and encouraging patients to eat.

Companion Observers take patients for a walk where appropriate, or spend time reading to or chatting with patients, watching TV together and playing games.

A lovely, caring role for some volunteers is to provide companionship and comfort for end of life patients, especially those whose families are working or unable to be present during the day.

Volunteer Companion Observers need to be able to establish a good rapport with staff caregivers, patients and their families and must be very respectful of patient privacy.

The minimum commitment is one 4 hour shift per week.

The Companion Observer program has been very successful in preventing disorientation and confusion of older patients, reducing falls and lifting the spirits of many patients, especially those who are lonely and isolated.

Volunteers find a great deal of enjoyment from the role and join a very friendly team of more than 100 volunteers along with the caring hospital staff.

One Companion Observer shared they love talking to the patients and sharing memories of the old days. Their faces light up when talking of the past. They have so many stories to tell.

How to join 

If you are interested in joining the Companion Observer program please contact Patricia Naylor on 0417 990 920.

Please note that training will be provided and you will be assessed for the role.