Leisureworld Elmira volunteer lives by the 'golden rule' Porter nominated for Circle of Excellence Award   Tuesday March 23, 2010 -- Lisa Bailey Terry Arndt is a cherished source of comfort to residents at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Elmira. The 59-year-old has been volunteering at the home for about five years. She accompanies residents — most of whom have Alzheimer’s disease — to and from their weekly hairdressing appointments at the home’s salon. “They are very special,” Arndt says. She is a calming, reassuring anchor during the one-floor excursion to the salon, holding residents’ hands and sitting and talking with them. “She’s so good with the residents,” program manager Paula Osborne says, explaining why Leisureworld Elmira has nominated Arndt for the Circle of Excellence Award. “She helps to create good feelings, and (residents) feeling good about themselves is very important,” Osborne says, adding Arndt’s support of staff is also valued and appreciated. Presented by the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA), the annual Circle of Excellence Award celebrates significant contributions of volunteers at OLTCA member homes. Recipients will receive a certificate in time for National Volunteer Week in April, and their names will be displayed at the OLTCA/Ontario Retirement Communities Association Convention & Trade Show, also in April. Arndt, who also accompanies residents on outings and has assisted in the dining room, was surprised by the nomination. “It (volunteering) is just something I do because I thoroughly love and enjoy doing it. It feels like I’m making a difference, and I would like to think that if I give one minute of love or attention, hope or happiness to someone and they feel it, then everything I’ve done is worthwhile.” Noting she’s been “lucky enough” to be able to volunteer in some way for much of her life, Arndt says the half-block trip to Leisureworld Elmira from her home initially “filled a void” left by her father’s death and her mother’s move back to Newfoundland and Labrador, where Arndt grew up. She learned about the portering opportunity from her friend, the hairdresser who works at the Elmira long-term care home. It was a perfect match for Arndt who feels she has an affinity for seniors because she was raised with her grandparents. The residents, she says, respond to the one-on-one interaction and reciprocate the kindness shown to them. One woman in particular, to whom Arndt says she’s “kind of like a second mom,” will reach out and communicate through a kiss on the cheek, a hug or an occasional verbal response. Osborne says the two women enjoy a good friendship, with Arndt always making sure they have Christmas dinner together. Arndt has high praise for the staff at Leisureworld Elmira, saying it’s a great environment in which to volunteer. She says she’s supplementing the home’s culture of caring as well as living by “the golden rule.” “We all need to know that we’re going to be treated with respect and dignity when we get older,” Arndt says. If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.