Volunteer Impact

Enriching Lives

Creating new opportunities to volunteer at Perley Health has benefited not only residents, their families and staff, but also the volunteers themselves. Recently, volunteers have begun to support the Adult Day Program, the Active Seniors and Veterans Living Centre, and the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™. In addition, some now lead tours for prospective new residents and their families.

Leslie Deland, who's volunteered at Perley Health for three years, appreciates being able to contribute in new ways. “Supporting the Adult Day Program, for instance, allows me to meet and support people who don't live at Perley Health,” she says.

Deland volunteers up to four times a week in a variety of roles. “Through volunteering, I've gotten a better understanding of the journey from living independently in the community to moving into long-term care. I have been able to witness how the Perley supports them and their families at each stage in the process.” In April 2025, Perley Health named Leslie co-winner of the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award.

Volunteer opportunities have also been created for university students interested in supporting research projects for the Centre of Excellence. In April, AdvantAge Ontario—the industry association for non-profit LTC homes—recognized the volunteerism of one such student: Sai Prashanti Mohan, who is pursuing a PhD in bio-medical engineering at Carleton University.

“Volunteering at Perley Health enables me to interact closely with residents, their families and staff,” says Mohan. “It's made me a more patient and considerate person, as well as a better researcher.” Mohan worked in retirement homes earlier in her career and is determined to improve the quality of life of people living with frailty.

To help manage the change—and to increase the efficacy and impact of volunteerism—Volunteer Services has implemented new software. The new system makes it easier to track, schedule and train the more than 400 people who volunteer at Perley Health regularly. Volunteers access the secure system to sign up for opportunities, check and update their schedules, and complete training.

“Through volunteering, I've gotten a better understanding of the journey from living independently in the community to moving into long-term care.” Leslie Deland, Co-winner, 2025 Volunteer of the Year