LiveAtHome Scheme

'I was always taught to respect my elders,

but it keeps getting harder to find one.'

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  The LiveAtHome initiative is part of Methodist Homes for the Aged, which is a major national voluntary organisation founded by the Methodist Church in 1943 to care for older people in need. Now, more than fifty years later, we offer residential care, dementia care, sheltered housing and LiveAtHome support to over 5,000 older people. Although Methodist Homes has links with the Methodist Church, our services are available to any older person in need - not just Methodists.  

 

 

  
         
 

Below are some comments from volunteers;

  • Over the past 6 months I've been seeing Margaret, an elderly lady under the Live at Home scheme. It's been a great experience: we've become friends and I feel comfortable talking to her about many things, and the feeling is mutual. She always appreciates my time hugely and in return takes a great interest in the musical activities in the school coming to the Dorking Halls concert and our performance of Mozart's Requiem at St Martins. I've learnt a great deal from her about classical music, of which she's very knowledgeable, and often I read her reviews of CDs she might be tempted to buy, or not, as she often makes clear! I've really enjoyed my time with her and hope to visit her at some point during the summer just to keep in touch before returning for our regular slots next term.

    Chris Douse L6th

  • I've been seeing Betty Spurgeon in her flat near the school since late November every couple of weeks in my double free period on a Monday afternoon. We tend to discuss theatre, politics (a subject we fortunately agree on), history and literature and we thoroughly enjoy one another's company.

    James Sheldrake L6th

  • I have enjoyed being a member of this scheme a lot, and made a good friend in the process. I visit a gentleman called Eric every Friday for a couple of hours, and I have been able to learn about how he grew up in a different generation and decisions that he had to face. I have also enjoyed playing many games of chess with him, and having conversations about current affairs- which was very interesting with him being a true communist at heart.

    Sayinthen Vivekanantham L6th

   
         
 

Other people volunteered at charity shops;

  • I have been doing community service since October in the Children's society in Reigate and I intend to continue past the date it officially stops.
    I have enjoyed going every week, getting to know all of the people that volunteer and learning where the money that the shop makes go, and the good cause that I am working towards. The work is rather varied, and there never is a time when there is nothing to do! There is a real team spirit in the shop, and it's always good to hear that what I contributed did make a difference. As I only had 1.5 hours a week I tried to get as much done as possible in the time, and there is a sense of achievement at the end of every week as a result. I would definitely recommend it to others.

    Matthew Rowell

 

You can also volunteer at the hospital performing a variety of roles that support the trained staff and enhance the services provided to patients.