With National Volunteer Week and National Palliative Care week occurring at the same time (May 19 – 26) it was only fitting that Moira Palliative Care recognised the important role that its volunteers play in providing end-of-life care in the local area, by treating them to morning tea.
Moira Palliative Care has 16 palliative care volunteers who support people with a life limiting illness and their families, to live, die and grieve well.
Their care, compassion and community spirit make an enormous difference – to all the people that they support and to their palliative care team colleagues.
National Palliative Care Week is a national week supported by the Department of Health to raise awareness and understanding about palliative care in the Australian community.
This year’s theme - What Matters Most - addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and have the conversation with family members and medical staff about what they would like if they weren’t able to speak for themselves.
Moira Palliative Care volunteer Marita Crowther-Harris said the role allows her to know that she helps people who need it and brings a bit of light to their day.
“Really, a lot of what we do is just providing company and conversation, and maybe providing a bit of respite for carers, but that does make a difference to people,” she said.
“Clients just want you to be normal around them, and it is wonderful when you build a rapport with them.”