St John Ambulance (Qld) Social Services volunteers regularly walk the corridors of Caboolture hospital, assisting patients and offering a smile to sick and injured people. From early 2015, the program will expand to include a dementia department, aimed at improving the overall hospital experience for patients with dementia and delirium, as well as providing a one-on-one assistance service.
The new program is based on a very successful service from Bega in NSW, which complements the existing hospital staff program. Volunteers will offer patients with dementia and delirium assistance and reassurance when they are confused, ensuring the patient is comfortable and has the best opportunity to recover.
St John (Qld) Caboolture Hospital volunteer Judy Hill has been assisting at the hospital for 18 months, and said volunteering was a great experience for people of all ages and walks of life.
“I am fortunate enough to help with meeting and greeting, updating patient charts and helping new mothers – I am so excited for the new dementia patient support program to start,” she said.
The new program will add an important aspect of patient care to the hospital volunteer program, which aims at providing a holistic approach to the care and assistance to patients admitted to Caboolture hospital.
“Dementia is an illness that not only affects the patient, but also their friends and family– our goal at the Caboolture Hospital is to lessen the burden and stress on everyone affected and make their experience here the best it can be,” Judy said.
St John (Qld) Social Services volunteers offer many programs to the vulnerable in the community, including a safe and affordable transport service for doctors’ appointments and social outings, as well as a telephone reassurance program for the isolated and vulnerable.
St John (Qld) is currently recruiting for volunteers to assist in the new dementia program. All members of the public are welcome to join and no prior experience with people suffering from dementia is necessary. To join or find out more information, contact Lisa Kewen at lisa.kewen@stjohnqld.com.au or call (07) 3632 9935.
Photo ops and interviews are available upon request.
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Media contact: Angela Madden on (07) 3253 0579