Dog Companion - Glenfield - #249975

After retiring from her former career as a breeding dog and devoted mum of three litters, Honey, a 6-year-old English Cocker Spaniel is now spending her days bringing comfort, companionship and plenty of smiles to residents in our aged care home in Glenfield. True to her name, she’s not only a beautiful golden colour but also one of the sweetest dogs you will ever meet. While volunteers accompany Honey on her visits, her owner, a Whiddon staff member, is based just across the road and is always close by if needed.

Main Tasks:

• Meet Honey and her owner for a brief handover before each visit.

• Accompany Honey during her visits throughout the aged care home.

• Help facilitate positive interactions between Honey and residents, encouraging engagement and social connection.

• Provide companionship, conversation and a friendly presence for residents during visits.

• Ensure Honey is comfortable and well-supported throughout the visit.

• Return Honey to her owner following the visit and provide a brief handover.

Impact of this role: The purpose of this volunteer role is to helps enhance residents' wellbeing by providing companionship, social connection and the proven benefits of animal-assisted engagement. By supporting Honey's visits, volunteers help create meaningful moments of joy, comfort and connection for residents, contributing to a positive and vibrant aged care community.

Benefits:

*Make a meaningful difference in the lives of older people and be a valued member of the Whiddon volunteer team.

*Access a Blue Light Card with thousands of retail, travel and entertainment discounts.

*Participate in our $50 Refer a Friend Program.

*Be recognised through our Everyday Heroes Program, where peer-nominated winners receive a $100 reward.

*Access thousands of online learning modules to support your personal and professional development