No One Dies Alone
Companion (NODAC) Program
- Support our Mission
Stephanie Buckland Chief Executive Officer, Amana Living
Amana Living staff are coming together this month to take part in the annual HBF Run for a Reason to raise funds for our NODAC program.
NODAC began as a pilot in 2019 at Lady McCusker Home in Duncraig. Our goal was to ensure every resident had companionship during their final moments, thanks to the dedication of specially trained volunteers.
Since then, we’ve expanded the program to all our metropolitan aged care homes. Last financial year, more than 75 volunteers conducted over 300 hours of vigils across Amana Living’s aged care homes in Perth and Mandurah.
The program is an extension of our palliative care service, complementing both the clinical care provided by staff and the spiritual care provided by our Chaplaincy team. It’s an important part of us providing holistic and compassionate support to our residents at every stage of their life.
I’ve received letters and cards from grateful relatives who have appreciated the calming and supportive presence of our NODAC volunteers. As one daughter wrote, ‘I truly appreciate the emotional and physical support provided by the NODAC volunteers. Mum was never left alone and I was able to go home to rest and prepare myself for the difficult days that followed.
The volunteers have expressed their gratitude for the program too. They recognise how important it is to spend time with someone when they might be feeling scared or alone. They also feel privileged to learn and reflect on the life of the resident and to be the person who is with them at the end.
This program is making a huge difference to the lives of our residents and their families, yet it is solely funded by Amana Living without any government support. This is why we’re taking part in the HBF Run for a Reason as any additional funds we can raise could make a big difference.
We’ve set a goal of raising $25,000 for NODAC this year and you can help us hit the target by contributing via our team page runforareason24.grassrootz.com/amana-living. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a significant impact on the lives of our residents.
This year, the money raised will buy new ‘Rainbow Trolleys’ stocked with items to bring comfort to residents nearing the end of their lives. In our larger aged care homes, there are often two vigils happening simultaneously, so having more trolleys ensures that every resident in their final moments can access these resources at the same time.
Share our team page or the QR code with your friends and family to spread the word. Together, we can ensure that no older person living in Amana Living’s aged care homes has to face death alone.
Share our team page or the QR code with your friends and family to spread the word. Together, we can ensure that no older person living in Amana Living’s aged care homes has to face death alone.