Shannon is a 19-year-old girl who began volunteering at St John’s as a school activity. She spent several weeks at the Physiotherapy Area at our Home and found her experience both enriching and fulfilling. She shares some of her insights here.

I begin my day in St John's Home with the morning physiotherapy sessions. Th elderly residents are required to do some basic exercises which are tailored to their individual needs. When I greet the uncles and aunties good morning, they would always ask me if I had breakfast. Some would tell me they are happy to see me, and others would share about the adversities they faced in their younger days, as well as the difficulties they face today as an aging individual. There would always be a few residents who are reluctant to do the exercises but after much persuasion they would give in and would even smile and thank me afterwards.

In the afternoon I spend time playing a game of “PlayDum” with Auntie Lim, a loud, chatty and very animated lady. She moves with exaggerated hand gestures and expressions, always making me smile and laugh. Despite the annoyed looks she gets from some of the elderly residents around her at times, she never fails to voice out her thoughts and is always engaged in playful banter with the Physiotherapist-Aides.

Volunteering here has made me extra grateful for my closely-knit family. Seeing the elderly members grin and go on enthusiastically about their children emphasizes the importance of filial piety to me. Many were proud parents who were more than happy to share about their family members, and they always ended our conversations with a reminder to listen to my parents.

I have also made wonderful friends with the team of Healthcare Assistants, Nursing-Aides and Physiotherapist-Aides who come from different countries and backgrounds. When I first came to St John’s Home, I had suffered from a knee injury a few months before and had difficulty walking and standing for long periods of time. The Physiotherapist-Aides whom I worked with, constantly made me take breaks and even came up with treatment plans for me during their own time. The warm and friendly working atmosphere here in St John's Home made me feel welcome, and this encouraged me to come back to volunteer again. I was also inspired by other volunteers who would come occasionally to interact with the elderly residents. There were groups of students who had planned activities for their school community service, as well as others who simply wanted to spend some time and effort to make the residents’ day a better one. It reminded me that I should always strive to be a selfless member of the community and give back to society where possible, just like what the other volunteers are doing.

I think the act of volunteering is a great way to spend one’s free time, and it can be an activity you carry out as an individual, as well as with family and friends.

To volunteer at our Home, please fill in this online form and we will contact you shortly:

https://www.stjohneldershome.org.sg/volunteer-application-form