Counselling student Abhi Wijesinghe is delighted to be learning first-hand what textbooks simply cannot teach.
The third-year student at the Australian College of Applied Professions, volunteers twice a week at the Social Connections program at the AgeWell Centre in Forest Hill where she spends time with older clients with dementia.
“I want to work in a memory support unit when I graduate,” says Abhi. “Learning about dementia is fascinating – especially with an increasing number of older people experiencing it. It’s important to understand what makes those with dementia happy and what triggers their behaviour. There are so many ways we can offer support to people to live safely and independently for as long as possible and to enjoy life in the moment.”
Abhi enjoys playing card games and other mindful activities with customers at the centre, as well as doing exercises, going on excursions and chatting over lunch.
“I’m doing things with them that I wished I had been able to do with my grandpa,” the 25-year-old says. “He helped take care of us kids when we were growing up in Sri Lanka. He told us stories and played games with us. I was in my mid-teens when he passed away and I wish I could have had more time with this wonderful man.”
“I feel that I am making a difference to the older clients,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to give back, and it’s also wonderful that I am learning so much at the same time.”
Learn more about volunteering