“Eating is not just about getting nutrition, it is also a social and pleasurable experience.”
Every Wednesday, Susan Carter meets for breakfast with a dozen strangers.
For Carter, a Niagara Health Meals on Wheels volunteer, breakfast may not seem like a typical way to spend the morning, but it’s an opportunity to provide comfort and friendship to patients at the Niagara Falls hospital.
“I consider breakfast the most important meal of the day,” Carter says. “It’s not just about the food, it’s about getting yourself in the mood and starting your day off right.”
It can be as simple as keeping a food tray within reach or preparing a cup of coffee for someone. Sometimes just saying “Good morning” to a patient can make them smile and make their day a little brighter.
“Up to 45 per cent of patients admitted to Canadian hospitals are malnourished,” says Marilee Stickles-White, clinical nutrition services manager. “Mealtime assistants help reduce barriers to eating healthy foods at mealtimes, and we consider them part of the patient’s care team.”
Volunteers accompany food service staff, carrying meal trays to patients, and circulate around the unit helping with meal preparation by pouring cereal into bowls, opening food packages, and most importantly, starting conversations and encouraging patients to eat.
Mealtimes can be lonely times for hospitalized patients, especially those staying for long periods of time. Mealtime assistants provide social interaction during mealtimes, helping to ease the loneliness that often comes with being hospitalized.
“Meals are not just nourishment, they are a social and comforting experience,” Carter said. “While families can’t be here 24/7, we’re happy to be able to provide a sense of normalcy and camaraderie during mealtimes.”
Hospital staff are also grateful for the support they provide Carter with meals.
“Mealtimes at the hospital are very busy – staff are often busy distributing medications and feeding patients who need extra support. Volunteers help patients who need a little help getting started on their meal or a little encouragement to eat,” Stickles-White says.
Carter joined Niagara Health’s team of dedicated volunteers after retiring last fall. Despite having a fulfilling career in the insurance industry for over 40 years, Carter has always had a lifelong desire to make a positive impact in the healthcare environment.
Carter connected with Niagara Health’s Volunteer Resources team hoping to find a role that would allow her to work directly with patients in a meaningful way, and the Mealtime Assistant role was a perfect fit.
“To be successful in this job, you have to be genuinely human and put yourself in their shoes,” Carter says. “This isn’t just a delivery service; it’s about connection and uplifting food.”
Niagara Health is looking for volunteers to work in a variety of roles, including meal assistance. No medical background is required to volunteer.
“At Niagara Health, we provide orientation and training opportunities to ensure volunteers feel confident and well prepared in their roles,” says Amanda Basilone, manager of recruitment and volunteer resources. “Whether you’re a patient or family advocate, guide or aide, there’s a place for everyone to contribute and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and their families.”
Niagara Health currently has over 500 volunteers volunteering at three hospitals in St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls, as well as urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne. Volunteers are especially needed in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland.
“I believe a warm smile, a kind word and a helping hand can make a big difference,” Carter said. “I’m grateful and honored to be able to provide a little bit of comfort and support – this is why I volunteer.”
To volunteer with Niagara Health or to learn more, please visit our website: NiagaraHealth.on.ca/VolunteerResources.
Michaela Grant is a communications specialist with Niagara Health.
