Memory of grandmother initial inspiration for long-time volunteer
Thursday, December 8, 2005 -- Craig Anderson
Diane Lockett has done an about face when it comes to the issue of nursing homes.

The regular Rosebridge volunteer holds a weekly bingo session at the Jasper-based home, assists with annual events and holds special meals in her private home in Easton’s Corners, a mere stone’s throw away from the long term care residence.

It is surprising, then, to know that at one time Diane could barely set foot in a long term care residence.

“I first went to Rosebridge seven years ago when they were using it as a voting centre, and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It seemed depressing to me,” says Diane, now part of a crew of four veteran volunteers who regularly assist staff in activity programming.

It wasn’t until seeing a resident in a wheelchair receiving daily walks past her home that Diane slowly began to change her mind.

“The resident (Hilda Kay) reminded me of my grandmother. A week later I put my name in to Rosebridge as a volunteer,” says Diane.

“I changed my perspective – just because someone is older it doesn’t mean that they should be abandoned,” says Diane.

After her first year, Diane, moved by the experience, wanted to expand her volunteer repertoire.

She began to invite small groups of residents to have special meals at her home.

“To me it was important that they get to experience a home-cooked meal periodically,” says Diane, who credits David, her husband, as an undying source of support.

“I am no longer working and he pays for all of it.” David is a long-time Salvation Army volunteer.

Twenty residents will join Diane in her home for an upcoming Christmas dinner. The meals typically feature at least two main course options, says Diane, who brings out the best dishes, cutlery and tablecloths for the event.

Diane recently said goodbye to Hilda Kay, her inspiration seven years ago.

“It was hard when she died, she was one of my favourites,” says Diane.

106 year-old Catherine Porter is another close friend, notes Diane, who enjoys all of her connections, regardless of the level of communication.

“There is a resident with cognitive difficulties who likes to rub my hair, and she giggles when she sees me. [In the past] I have become very close with a lot of the ladies.”

Support and care for the elderly has been at the fore in her life in the last few years, says Diane, who cared for her mother in her home as she succumbed to cancer last year. She is currently visiting an elderly gentleman in a long term care residence in Athens, Ontario.

“It would be nice if more people would take the time to listen and understand seniors,” she says.