About Carolyn
Carolyn has been volunteering as a Complementary Care Massage Therapist with Southern Adelaide Palliative Services at Laurel Hospice for five years. She provides physical comfort and emotional support to people nearing the end of life, drawing on her background as a Lymphoedema, Remedial and Massage Therapist.
Carolyn shares how the relationships she forms through her work have shaped her approach to care. “I find it a privilege to spend time and provide not only physical comfort, but also to hold space with an open heart for people and their cars, as they approach the end of their lives”, she says.
Q&A Interview:
Disclaimer: The views expressed are the opinions and thoughts of our interviewees, reflecting on their own experiences and views.
I offer Remedial Massage, Oncology Massage, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, and Lymphoedema/Oedema Management to both patients and caregivers within the Laurel Hospice, as well as those in the Southern Adelaide Palliative Care Community. I also offer Massage to staff within SAPS.
My inspiration to volunteer in palliative care came from a personal experience after caring for my mum, who died 31 years ago at Laurel Hospice. The care she received was holistic and heartfelt. I returned 10 years later to volunteer at Laurel Hospice.Whether it has been from my own experiences with family and clients, seeing the impact that even simple acts of kindness and love can have, I have felt compelled to provide that support to others. Volunteering enables me to walk alongside those at the end of life, as well as those around them, to listen, hold space, and be there.
Supporting people and those caring for them at the end of life has been, and is, profoundly meaningful, bringing a sense of fulfilment and purpose. I feel honored to be playing a role in improving their quality of life and to offer comfort, dignity, and compassion at such a sacred time. I have also developed friendships and a strong sense of connection amongst fellow volunteers.
Palliative Care Volunteers can offer emotional and practical support, as well as provide respite for caregivers. They play an important role in bridging the gaps between medical staff visits, offering kindness, presence, and support.
We receive training, education, and guidance from the SAPS Volunteer Coordinator, fellow volunteers, and SAPS staff. Emotional support is always available if and when needed. Positive feedback from patients and carers is relayed through monthly email newsletters.
Education about our offerings at Laurel Hospice for those in the SAPS Community catchment area. Our volunteer services are available to patients, carers and families not only in Laurel Hospice but also those in the community including bereaved.
Do It!!! It is one of the most rewarding roles, such a privilege.
Speak with our volunteer coordinator if you are thinking about volunteering. There are many areas in which you can volunteer.
Don’t worry if you don’t know much about palliative care. It is an easy onboarding system, and you are providing with much required information, you will undergo training. The support and encouragement you receive from the volunteer coordinator and fellow volunteers is amazing.
