What do you do when someone can no longer see the places they remember? Ruth found a way to bring those places to him.
For more than six years, Ruth – who is based in Adelaide’s north – has volunteered through Lutheran Care’s Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), finding thoughtful ways to brighten the lives of older people. When she began visiting an older man living with vision impairment, she saw an opportunity to do more than simply sit and talk. She turned to Google Maps, exploring places connected to his homeland of England so she could describe them during their visits.
What began with a map became a shared journey of discovery, bringing familiar places into their conversations and opening the door to memories, stories and new experiences. Along the way, Ruth discovered how much she could learn herself through these simple but meaningful moments.
Her approach reflects a deeper understanding of volunteering: every person has different needs, and meaningful visits begin with finding out what matters to them.
Having supported older people with challenges including hearing difficulties and vision impairment, Ruth has learned to adapt her communication to each individual. Sometimes, reading a book together can awaken memories and offer comfort. At other times, silence can be just as valuable as conversation.
Ruth believes that a pause, a reassuring gesture or simply sitting beside someone can offer a sense of ease without putting pressure on them to speak. For her, active listening means recognising that communication is not always about words; patience, empathy and presence matter, too.
As a Christian, Ruth sees supporting older people who may experience social isolation or loneliness as one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the community. Her enthusiasm for life, love of learning and determination to find thoughtful ways to help others shine through in every visit.
Ruth’s story reminds us that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with a map, a book, a shared memory or a comfortable silence.
Because the value of a visit lies not in how much we say or do, but in how we help someone feel valued, heard and included.
Could you make a difference through a simple visit?
ACVVS is a federal government-funded program, facilitated throughout much of South Australia by Lutheran Care and its partners. The program offers opportunities for friendly volunteer visitors to support older people and make a positive difference in their lives. If you would like to become a volunteer and bring more moments of warmth and companionship into someone’s life, we would love to hear from you.
Visit ACVVS on the Lutheran Care website to find out more and get in touch.
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