When Bridget Hague retired from nursing in 2022, she knew she wasn’t quite ready to leave it all behind.
Inspired by the strong volunteer presence in residential care services, Bridget knew what the next step was.
So, in late 2022 she signed up as a volunteer at the place where it all began – Golden Oaks Nursing Home.
Bridget’s career in aged care began in early 1996, working at Golden Oaks as an Enrolled Nurse. Through years of establishing friendships with the residents and her fellow colleagues, to engaging in lively conversation with everyone around the facility, and enjoying what she calls the “home-like environment” Golden Oaks offers, Bridget decided she always going to return in some capacity when she reached the end of her nursing journey.
“I wasn’t ready to leave Golden Oaks. Volunteering was a good way to still be here, do the things I enjoy and contribute to the facility in some way,” she said.
“I always knew from my time overseeing activities and leisure, which included orientating the new volunteers, that this is what I wanted to be doing. I was set on coming back.”
Every Tuesday afternoon, Bridget does just that – from playing cards with the residents, doing craft activities, to filling up the bird bath – for Bridget, being involved in activities and leisure is all about being able to bring joy through the little things.
“I love filling up the bird bath so the residents have something to look at. It’s the simple things that make a big difference,” she said.
While volunteering has meant a step back in terms of overseeing the overall care of residents, Bridget feels she can still maintain a connection with them.
“The roles are quite different, definitely less paperwork involved,” she laughed.
“But I can still be involved with the activities scheduled for the day and maintain the relationships I’ve had with some of the residents for years. That’s special.”
“No matter what role I’m in, I’m always going to be about being a friendly face,” she said.
Although she has only been volunteering for a few months, Bridget said she has no plans to leave Golden Oaks any time soon.
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