Francis Tuck, 86, and his carer Marion Wright of Mount Riverview were referred by the palliative care nurses to the Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service for much needed respite and social support.
The family was assessed by the service co-ordinator and they were matched up with a local volunteer, Margaret Gudgeon (pictured with Mr Tuck).
Making the initial adjustment with a new person can feel awkward at first but the benefits definitely outweigh this, according to Ms Wright.
"Dad always used to go for drives. He got depressed that he could not do that anymore. The nurses told me about the service and now Margaret is fulfilling that little gap. We clicked straight away.
"I knew that he would be safe with Margaret," she said.
The Blue Mountains Palliative Support volunteers have extensive and ongoing training with NSW Health.
Volunteers are able to take clients on outings and assist with minor tasks around the home.
The Tucks especially appreciate that Margaret can take Mr Tuck for a drive and to a coffee shop once per week.
Being able to go for drives is something that he misses now that he can no longer drive.
"Not being able to drive, I lost my independence... I don't really get to see many other people apart from family now," he said.
"Having Margaret makes that break and gets me out of the house with a change of scenery and people. She's someone I can talk to as well as a bit of friendship."
The service encourages families and individuals to have a volunteer earlier on in their diagnosis and not to wait until the very end.
Having a volunteer provides emotional support from an understanding person who does not have expectations that friends and family members may have.
Carers are under enormous stress daily and feel the pressure to do it all on their own.
"A couple of hours means a lot when you're caring," said Ms Wright.
"What surprised me was how much I could do having that period of time. For Dad it is someone different to talk to and about any problems when they come up.
"Margaret is also someone that I can talk to as well."
For information about the palliative care support service contact Katrina at Belong Blue Mountains on 4709 6053.
