I support the Care Home Manager with all the administration at the home. This includes for example completing forms for new residents and staff, collating the residents’ activity calendar, paying invoices, helping to manage the budget, completing and submitting payroll and liaising with support services in Seaford.
I take care of the day to day maintenance of the building making sure all the checks have been done, including fire and gas safety and electrical testing. My role also includes tasks such as unblocking shower wells, checking light bulbs and cleaning the bins. There is generally a lot of cleaning involved and ensuring everything is in working order. I also decorate rooms when they become vacant.
I love working with older people and hearing their life’s experiences. I enjoy enriching their golden years - making them easier and more pleasurable.Volunteering opportunities with Sussex Housing & Care
We love welcoming people to volunteer with us and recently Laura has spent a couple of days in our care homes in Haywards Heath and Battle to support our sunny moments club and activities with residents.
Laura is currently on a three-week Easter break from University in Portsmouth and put her excellent organisational skills to good use. She spent two days sorting and arranging the storage and supplies we have for activities in our care homes and the impact has been incredible!
Laura reflected on her time volunteering and said: “I’ve sorted through storage cupboards and boxes so each care home can easily access the variety of resources they have. I’ve labelled everything and it’s looking very organised. It’s been great to see the care home manager’s reaction, they gave a big “wow” when they saw what I had done and it made me feel good.
“By volunteering to organise the storage areas, I’ve helped residents to easily access games, craft materials and things they enjoy doing. I’ve saved staff time to find activities, which means they can spend more time with residents and have also helped the not-for-profit care homes to save money by making better use of what they have. I feel like I’ve made a difference and it’s a really rewarding feeling!
Gaining skills and experience
“During these couple of days it’s been a good opportunity to improve my communication skills. I’ve spent time with older people and also people living with dementia. I’ve had to think about the way I talk to people with different needs, speaking clearly and being patient.”
Thinking of volunteering?
Laura says: “If you’re thinking of volunteering then I’d say do it! Until you do it, you won’t fully understand what you get out of it. It will completely change your view on a lot of things. I felt a bit nervous at the start as it was new people and new places, but everyone was really nice and friendly. Coming out of it, I know I’ve made a difference and feel happy about what I've achieved. I’d definitely do it again”
Opportunities for you
We recognise the special impact volunteers have in brightening our residents’ lives and we have a variety of volunteering opportunities within Sussex Housing & Care. You can spend as much or as little time as you would like to, and as regularly as you wish. We welcome you to give time doing something you enjoy, this could include for example, sharing your hobby with residents, chatting, visiting the library, shopping, gardening, music or singing – whatever you fancy! As Laura shows, even a helping hand and organisational skills can be beneficial. You can give as little or as much time as you’re able to.
Please visit our volunteering page to find out more and we welcome you to get in touch with our care homes to have an informal, friendly chat with our team about volunteering with us.