The Golden Plough Lodge is seeking volunteers to help welcome residents to Northumberland County’s new long-term care home as preparations move into the final weeks prior to doors opening.
The new Golden Plough Lodge, located on Courthouse Road in Cobourg, will include 29 additional beds—growing from 151 to 180 spaces—as well as a variety of expanded services, enhanced programming and additional recreational spaces. As staff welcome residents to this new space, volunteers will play a vital role in helping to create a warm, engaging, and supportive atmosphere from day one.
“Volunteers play an important role in making the Golden Plough Lodge feel like home,” says Administrator Alanna Clark. “As we prepare to move to our new space, volunteers will help shape the resident experience by building connections with residents, supporting activities, and ensuring residents have friendly faces to welcome and assist them when they need support.”
Volunteers make a significant difference in the lives of residents by providing championship, supporting social programming and helping to foster a sense of belonging. Potential volunteer opportunities may include:
· Greeter and guide: welcoming people and helping them find their way in the new building.
· Escorting residents: to and from activities.
· Recreational activity support: assisting with programs like bingo, crafts, music, fitness/exercise, movie nights, gardening, social events
· Café operations: supporting operations of the resident and family café
· Spiritual activities: assisting with worship, singing, art
· Friendly visits: offering friendly conversation, games, and reading books with residents
· Mealtime assistance: helping to feed residents and providing social interaction during mealtimes
· Technology assistance: helping residents with their computers, tablets, and phones to connect with loved ones or access entertainment
This opportunity is open to anyone interested in making a difference and gaining volunteer experience, including high school students seeking volunteer hours.
To be approved, volunteers will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check and a Tuberculosis (TB) test. Orientation and training will be provided to successful applicants.
To begin the application process, visit Northumberland.ca/GPL.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
