Volunteer work remains an important part of the lives of the seniors who reside at this 88-bed long-term care home in Southhampton, says Brenda Misch, the home’s activity director.

“You never get past that giving part of your life,” says Misch.

“A lot of (residents) had a lifetime of volunteer services in a number of ways. These are still things we talk about at the residents’ council (meetings).”

On June 19, the home hosts a community barbecue in support of the Alzheimer Society’s local branch.

Residents help organize and run several significant fundraisers to assist community partners throughout the year, notes Misch. For instance, residents support the local Alzheimer chapter’s Walk for Memories in January, hold a Coffee Break Day in September and an Oktoberfest celebration in October.

This year the residents will also be hosting a Tag Day at the home. Residents and staff organize an annual daffodil tea in support of the local Cancer Society branch. In the fall, residents collect non-perishable food items for the local food bank to help families in need through Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Admission to long-term care does not mean that residents stop caring about and giving to their community in a number of ways. The whole facility gets involved residents, staff, volunteers and families,” Misch says.

She says being active also benefits residents and their families because they gain increased awareness about the services provided by the long-term care home’s community partners.