Companionship and travel tales keep Esther going

May 18, 2025

Once a fortnight, 80 year old Esther is visited by Lynn, who volunteers with CatholicCare’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. “I’ve spent many hours in hospital rooms lately, and there have been moments when I’ve wondered if this is the end of me,” says Esther. “All this time in hospital has taken a lot out of me physically, mentally and even psychologically, but Lynn is my light.”

Esther’s hour with Lynn is her little piece of solace as they gather over hot cups of tea and talk about books, politics, television programs and travel. “We are both passionate readers,” says Lynn. “Esther’s home is filled with zillions of books, and this shared passion meant that we hit it off right away.”

Esther immigrated to Australia from Hungary in the 1970s. “I came to Australia without a word of English, and I worked in Canberra for over 20 years,” Esther explains. “I have two daughters, one who lives on the Central Coast and one in Melbourne. Unfortunately, I don’t see much of my daughters because they work full-time. Companionship is so important for me because my husband has passed away and I am on my own 90% of the time.”

Lynn had been searching for volunteer work when a Facebook ad appeared for the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. “I believe it’s really important to link older people to the community, and I’m a good listener so it’s something I thought I might enjoy and be good at,” says Lynn.

Lynn will occasionally take Esther to the local shops, but due to Esther’s health complications, their recent visits have taken place at home.

“Sometimes I feel trapped in my home and in my body, but Lynn transports me to other places,” Esther explains.

“I love it when Lynn tells me about her trips to New Zealand to visit her husband’s family. A part of me feels like I’m transported there as she shares her stories, and I can almost see the streets and the mountains. When I imagine New Zealand, I think of a little England, and these thoughts are what get me through the hard days.”

Esther was thrilled when she discovered that she and Lynn, by fluke, had been reading the same novel. “I couldn’t believe it,” Esther says. “The Book Binder of Jericho is not a common book, yet we were both drawn to it. It is the story of how women kept Britain running when men went away to fight in the war.” In the blurb for the book, one of the main female characters is described as “extraordinary but vulnerable,” and the other main female character needs to watch over her. It isn’t hard to see why this novel about strong women and their relationships gripped both Esther and Lynn.

As it becomes harder for Esther to leave the home, Lynn sees it as her mission to keep Esther connected and engaged with the world around her. “It has been a very rewarding experience,” Lynn says, and Esther will forever sing her praises.

There are many seniors like Esther in our community who are lonely and may not have family or friends living nearby. Our federally funded Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme volunteers spend an hour once a fortnight developing friendships, having a chat and sharing a cuppa. The joy they bring is immeasurable! Our one-on-one visiting scheme matches volunteers from the local community with residents who live at home or in aged care facilities who have been identified as being socially isolated and whose quality of life is improved by friendship and companionship.

 

Can you spare an hour a fortnight visiting a senior like Esther who may be lonely and may not have family or friends living nearby? Affectionately referred to as CatholicCare’s ‘friendship program’, you will be able to build new connections and positive relationships with someone who will greatly appreciate your company. The time will be spent having a cuppa, going on outings, reading together, listening to music, playing games and other activities. For more information click here, or feel free to call 1800 324 924.