Volunteer story Jane Arzoni
Dementia patients on Aston Unit at Congleton War Memorial Hospital are experiencing newfound joy and comfort thanks to the innovative efforts of volunteer, Jane Arzoni. Jane, a mum of two from the Cheshire village of North Rode, began volunteering at her local hospital after moving back to the UK in January 2024, and following a decade in the USA, she returned with a deep appreciation for the NHS and a strong desire to give back.
After dementia training with the Trust’s Admiral Nurse, Laura Birch, Jane was introduced to the benefits of music and hand massage for dementia patients, sparking an idea to combine music, aromatherapy, and hand massage therapies.
She said: “I chose to volunteer at Congleton because it’s slightly closer to my home and when I discovered more about Aston Unit, I was very pleased, as I had hoped to work with
older patients.
“I think older people can sometimes be forgotten and I hate to think of any elderly person feeling lonely or anxious, so from the outset my goal was tomake a positive difference in at least one person's day through my volunteering work.”
Supplied with a 1950s playlist, a portable speaker, and hand lotion infused with relaxing essential oils, she offers soothing hand massages to dementia patients.
“During the training, Laura mentioned the benefits of music and hand massage for people dealing with dementia, Jane added. “This was the spark that gave me some ideas on howI could contribute to my volunteer role.
“After doing further research, I set-out to combine three different types of therapy that studies have found can help people living with dementia - music, aromatherapy and hand
massage.
“Every patient is different, with their own individual needs and I continue to learn as I spend more time on the unit, but usually there is a visible change in demeanour, which could be a warm smile, a nod of acknowledgment or a sigh of relief. The response has been very positive, and I hope it makes a difference. It’s incredibly heartwarming when patients sing along to the music or applaud after each song. There has even been dancing!
"All the staff on Aston Unit do such a wonderful job and hopefully I play a small part in supplementing their fantastic care with something a little different to help brighten the day.
“I hope the work I do lifts the spirits of patients and creates a warm and soothing atmosphere. If my role can help a patient to feel more comforted, calm and little bit extra special during the time I spend with them, that would be amazing.”
Find out more about volunteering with East Cheshire NHS Trust here.
