And the Packwood Home is no exception. Volunteers organise activities and entertainment for residents at the senior citizens home and assist in all aspects of elderly care.

Mrs. Moira Cann, who recently retired from the Health Department where she worked as a health visitor in Sandys Parish and Southampton, now devotes much of her time to the Packwood Home. She has since volunteered to act as activities coordinator for the residents.

"I enjoy working with elderly people,'' said Mrs. Cann, "so when I retired, I decided to make the Packwood Home one of my big projects.'' Mrs. Cann is now recruiting volunteers to assist the residents and help with planned activities.

"Our objective is to keep the residents active by furnishing them with a variety of things to do,'' she said. "And volunteers are needed to help organise and carry out activities.'' Volunteers also assist the residents in getting dressed and undressed, with personal hygiene and grooming.

"The ex-Police Commissioner, Mr. Frederick Bean, has already started cutting residents' hair,'' said Mrs. Cann.

As well, volunteers help to serve meals, answer the phone and take residents for walks.

"And they can assist us whenever it is suitable for them,'' said nurse administrator, Mrs. Cecille Snaith-Simmons.

"We're so happy to have volunteers,'' she added. "Even if they just come to sit and talk with the elderly, it is a great help.'' Various activities are already planned for the senior citizens at Packwood Home. Mrs. Cann has organised a show and tell programme where old items are used to encourage discussion among the residents.

"Old wash-boards, dated irons and the like are articles from the past which may prompt the elderly to communicate,'' said Mrs. Cann.

The volunteer committee has also organised tea parties where senior citizens from the extended care unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital attend.

A host of community activities are also scheduled for the residents. They can join in with the Young at Heart Club at St. James Church once a month. And they can attend the Golden Hour at Peace Lutheran Church twice a month as well as luncheons monthly at Mt. Zion AME Church and the Second Day Adventist Church.

"And for those residents who wish to go to church regularly on Sundays, we encourage family or friends to take them,'' she said.

Other activities made available to the elderly include gentle stretching classes and recreational exercise as well as entertaining games like bingo and puzzles.

GIVING HER TIME -- Volunteer activities coordinator Miss Moira Cann.