Make a difference with Homeshare programs

As the Australian population ages, there are increasingly more and more elderly citizens choosing to live at home for as long as they are able.  Elderly citizens are committed and prefer to sustain an independent lifestyle by choosing to live comfortably in their home rather than making the transition into an aged care facility.

There are many health benefits in being able to live in your own home for the later years of an elderly person’s life:

  • Psychological benefits including feeling independent and the ability to look after themselves
  • Provides a sense of happiness being able to think about memories in your own home
  • Better access for family members and friends when they visit
  • Helps encourage the person to keep their interests and hobbies around the home

In order for an elderly person to be able to sustain their living at home as long as possible, help is sometimes necessary.  Homeshare programs such as Uniting Care Life Assist program offer eligible participants to be matched to people who are older or have a disability to provide about 10 hours of assistance and support a week that can be in the form of cooking, shopping gardening, helping to arrange maintenance services, house cleaning services, etc.  The eligible participant would be exchanging this practical support for free rent, for a bedroom and the use of communal facilities.

The program creates mutual benefits for both parties involved, providing young people a chance to save on rent, for the elderly the program helps them to live a more independent life whilst receiving the support to do so.

Homeshare programs are creating unique ways to support our community; it is like having a house mate, they are not there to provide personal care, they are there to provide a social interaction, help with daily tasks and chores around the house.  They are not there to replace the work of nursing services or provide in home personal care.

For more information on Homeshare programs, contact:

Reasons Why You should consider working as a Volunteer

Learn what is not taught in the classroom: By volunteering, you turn to be exposed to different areas of the community, cultures, and values. To figure out who you are is when you are in College and what you want to do in future. However, learning new things can shape that path and you will be able to see how things you are learning in the classroom apply to the real world.

Explore career opportunities: It’s certainly difficult to know what you want to do in future by simply reading a job profile. You will have to assess many tools to help out but volunteering can be just as effective. You will see in real life what professionals in various fields do. This can help you in the decision making with regards to certain jobs. Volunteering might give you an eye-opening experience that gives your life different direction.

Helps to build your resume: If you have nеvеr had a jоb, then volunteering is a must. It is the perfect way to gain free quality work experience to your resume. Even if you have had multiple jobs, volunteering can benefit you because it shows the employer you are serious about getting involved and improving your skills.

It can be your reference: Getting a job after college can be difficult as most employers usually require work experience. Employers always check references and while having one or two college professors listed will be helpful, having someone else who can speak to your work ethic and abilities can be priceless. Try to take any volunteer opportunity serious by being on time and work diligently as if it’s your job.

Develop transferable skills: Most employers today are looking for skills that can be transferable to different areas. Such as teamwork, public speaking, interpersonal communication, time management, organization, leadership, computer skills, analysis, creative thinking and problem-solving skills. As a volunteer, you stand a better chance.

Volunteering gives you an opportunity to discover new personal interests. You may want to explore new roles in life but you were hesitant to do so. Exploring your options through volunteering will give you first-hand knowledge and practical skills than you could in any other environment you find yourself.

Volunteering also open doors to new potential opportunities by creating strong working relationships with peers, it could potentially land you a job in that particular place or through other networks that you have been in contact with during your service. These contacts can also be used as references to back your skills and experiences. Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to raise awareness for the company you are working. It is also helpful as it will connect you with other sectors in the community and this, furthermore, will make your hard work valued to a wider community.