For more than six years, Diana has been quietly making a big difference to the lives of older people with Advocare’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. Discover how her path led to becoming a long-time volunteer with us.
“I was one of the very first volunteers when Advocare’s volunteer visitor program began,” she says. “I’ve never looked back.”
Born in the UK and raised in the United States, Diana moved to Perth in 1973 and went on to enjoy a long and varied career in the world of travel and aviation. She began working in the US in a bank as a typist before taking to the skies as an air stewardess, spending time flying in the US and later working in travel agencies. Her ongoing passion for travel led to almost three decades working for British Airways and South African Airways after Diana moved to Australia.
Family has always been central to Diana’s life. She has one daughter and two granddaughters, aged 25 and 13. When she’s not volunteering, she enjoys walking, reading, socialising and, as she puts it, “visiting my lovely four ladies.”
Like many of our volunteers, Diana likes to keep herself busy visiting as many people as she can. She enthusiastically shares her time with these four regular clients, two of them living independently in their own homes and two in aged care homes. All ladies are in their late 80s and early 90s, and each visit is shaped by the day and the person.
“Conversation is always a big part of our time together. Sometimes we spend up to two hours just talking and sharing stories.”
For one of her in-home clients, visits often include a coffee outing or a trip to the local shopping centre. For many of us it might seem like a small thing but it’s a moment that makes a big difference for an older people who might at first find going on an outing challenging.
Over the years, Diana has been moved by the life stories her clients’ have shared, stories that might have otherwise gone unheard.
“My clients’ life stories are fascinating,” she says. “They remind me that there are so many people with incredible histories that you might never realise just by looking at them.”
Diana says the value of volunteering for her is that it brings her genuine happiness. “It feels good to give back. I’ve been fortunate in my life.”
Through her time, kindness, and willingness to listen, Diana continues to build meaningful connections and remind us all of the power of conversation, connection and companionship.
If you can spare a few hours a fortnight as a volunteer visitor in the Perth metro area or South West region, don’t be shy. Take the first step and contact our volunteer coordinators on 08 9479 7566 or visit our website for more information.
