By Alesha Capone
Italian-born Sister Silvia loves to bring cheer to the residents at Mercy Place Wyndham.
Her regular visits – originally as part of the Werribee aged care home’s Lifestyle team, and later as a volunteer – provide language and music support for the Italian residents in particular, and all who enjoy the accordion music she plays.
Sister Silvia said that people with dementia can be especially touched by music.
“It’s about recalling memories of happy moments, because music is usually associated with happy occasions,” she said.
“For example, one lady said, ‘That’s the first song I danced to with my husband’, or when I play The Tarantella, they say, ‘My dad used to play that’.”
A former teacher, Sister Silvia said she began working and volunteering in aged care after she realised there was a growing number of older Italians in residential aged care.
“Language is such an important thing in our lives, it’s not just a way of communicating, it’s also about our culture,” she said.
This year, Sister Silvia is celebrating 50 years since she took her vows as a Sister of Mercy.
This occasion was recognised with a special presentation to her, as part of recent Italian Republic Week celebrations at Mercy Place Wyndham.
Sister Silvia said that the Italian decorations, music, quizzes and fine Italian food donated by staff and Werribee Italia Pizza and Restaurant, made it a great day.
She said volunteering has enriched her life and was “very rewarding”.
“I wish and hope that a lot more people could volunteer,” she said.
Details: mercyhealth.com.au/our-organisation/volunteering/
