BINGO callers and dominoes players are “desperately” needed at a Greater Leys care home to help entertain elderly residents.

Brookfield Christian Care Home in Little Bury looks after 66 elderly people, some of whom have dementia and require nursing.

Staff rely on volunteers to help entertain residents during the day and early evening, but have only a few people giving their time.

Volunteer coordinator Carolyn Tasker said: “A lot of people are bedridden here and they may not have a lot of friends or relatives.

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“They’re sitting in a chair or in a bed all day and it’s very nice to have somebody come and make your life more enjoyable by bringing in something from the outside.”

She said: “Our carers are very good but they are limited in the time they can give to everyone.

“Having people come in and give them some quality, one-to-one extra time is great.

“At the moment we have six or seven volunteers, but we desperately need more.”

Volunteers would give one morning, afternoon or evening a week and talk and play games with residents.

Activities coordinator Lin Jacobs said: “There are people who are bedridden who like to have a little chat or be read to.

“A lot of them won’t do anything much in their rooms otherwise.

“Other residents like bingo, arts and crafts, card games, and dominoes is the top game.”

One of the home’s volunteers is 47-year-old Rachel Stone, who has been giving her time at the home since June.

She said: “I come here for the whole of the afternoon every Wednesday.

“My aunt is the hairdresser here and she mentioned they were looking for volunteers.”

The Kidlington resident said: “I play games with the lovely ladies and gents.

“I paint their nails sometimes if they want it and I will go and sit and talk with them. I just generally chat and listen to them.

“It’s wonderful – what you give in, you get back.

“I love it. The people are so lovely and they make you feel so welcome.

“When you make them happy, it makes you know you have done something good.

“It’s like a family. I would recommend it to anybody.”

  • Anyone over the age of 16 can volunteer. Those interested should call 01865 779888.

 

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