In partnership with The University of Sydney, Catholic Healthcare organised a four-week regional placement for Occupational Therapy students from the Korean Academy of Occupational Science.
In July and August, our employees and their families generously opened their homes to the Korean students, demonstrating beautifully our core values of compassion, courage, and integrity.
This opportunity was facilitated by Dr Sanetta du Toit, Sydney University's Director of the Master of Occupational Therapy program, who coordinated with Catholic Healthcare’s Volunteer Manager, Liz Faber, to offer an immersive experience at Macquarie Care Centre and St Catherine’s in Bathurst.
‘I became involved with Sanetta when Sydney University placed some Occupational Therapy students at Holy Spirit Dubbo last year [as part of the Intergenerational Program], and as they were also non-clinical placements, they come through as volunteers,’ said Liz.
Liz spent time with the lifestyle coordinators in Bathurst to discuss activities for the students and organised a volunteer induction for them.
‘It has helped that I have a background in Occupational Therapy studies, so I could suggest activities for the students that would complement their studies,’ said Liz.
The students helped residents with bingo and crafts and were able to lead various programs such as the ‘Hand Washing’ program.
‘I washed the residents' hands and gave them a hand massage with hand cream. The moments when we made eye contact and talked while massaging their hands, and the warm words of thanks they offered, are memories that have stayed with me,’ said student Sian.
For Subin, playing bingo with the residents and assisting and encouraging them during the activity was a highlight.
‘I have a fond memory of seeing them become more confident and proactive, which made me feel proud,’ she said.
Liz’s parents, Leoni and Geoff Hubbard hosted students Chaewon and Haneul while Sian and Subin stayed at the home of Alicia Ellis, St Catherine’s Administration Coordinator.
‘We thoroughly enjoyed having Chaewon and Haneul stay with us. They were cheerful, respectful and happy, and got on really well with us and our extended family,’ said Leoni.Sian and Subin spoke about their favourite Aussie food. For Sian, it was the homemade ‘plate of lamb, pork, and sausages with creamy buttery mashed potatoes’, and for Subin, it was a homestyle ‘hamburger’.
The students reciprocated by cooking Korean street food for Alicia and her husband. Leoni and Geoff enjoyed hearing the students talk about where they lived and about their families, and they would gladly host more students in the future.
‘They told us that they had been to nursing homes in Korea, but those were more like hospitals, with sometimes six residents in a room, while Macquarie Care was much more home-like for the residents,’ Leoni said.
All you need to do to become a Catholic Healthcare volunteer is simply email volunteer@chcs.com.au or call 1800 225 474.