Help us bring comfort to
residents in their final moments
Stephanie Buckland, Chief Executive Officer
At Amana Living, we look after the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our residents from the moment they join us to the time they leave. This involves providing critical support and comfort to residents as they reach the end of their life.
Sadly, many older people living in aged care face the real possibility of dying alone. However, we believe that everyone deserves to die with dignity and respect, and that companionship can help ease the fear, loneliness and anxiety that often accompanies death.
In 2020 we created the No One Dies Alone Companion (NODAC) Program so no Amana Living resident approaching the end of their life should die alone. The program is a natural extension of the care we provide with volunteers offering compassionate human connection to our residents in their last moments on Earth.
NODAC volunteers are carefully selected and trained to provide vigil to residents, which can include listening, holding hands, reading to them, and simply being present. The role complements the high-quality clinical and personal care delivered by Amana Living staff, ensuring there is always someone with the resident.
The program has been well-received by residents, families and volunteers, and has received recognition for its compassionate approach to end-of-life care. In the past year, more than 40 volunteers have conducted over 500 hours of vigils across 10 Amana Living care centres but there is so much more we can do if we have your help
How you can help
The NODAC program is funded entirely by Amana Living without any Government support. With your help, we can offer more vigils to an even greater number of residents.
Each Amana Living care centre taking part in the NODAC Program has a ‘Rainbow Trolley’ equipped with things that make the room of a dying resident tranquil – including music, reading material and essential oils. These are important touches that help us create a special ambience when a vigil is underway, as well as an environment that is meaningful to the resident and reflects the life they have lived.
As we expand the NODAC Program, we need more Rainbow Trollies for our care centres. You can help us to bring comfort and companionship to those in their final moments by donating to Amana Living's NODAC program. With your support, we can make sure every Amana Living care centre has an additional Rainbow Trolley. All you need to do is to visit our fundraising page.
Image: Kelly Frausin, NODAC Volunteer with a rainbow trolley
Published in Messenger April 2023
Amana Living
Amana Living Inc. is one of WA’s largest not-for-profit providers of care and services for older people.
