Springwell volunteer Martha Connors brings empathy, compassion, and extensive experience with caregiving to her role in our Ombudsman program. In fact, she began helping people who are old or ill when she was in middle school. But her comfortability with helping others became personal during her twenties when her father was diagnosed with cancer. She moved home to care for him and later her mother as she grew older and entered hospice. “Not everyone is comfortable around seniors and those who are ill,” she reflects. “So I’m in a position to help them.”

Although Martha spent most of her career working in media, she knew she was meant to help others. When she was laid off, Martha saw an opportunity to follow a calling as a caregiver, leading her to volunteer in hospice. This pivotal moment resulted in Martha leaving her part-time consulting job to join Springwell’s Ombudsman Program. As an Ombudsman, she visits residents weekly, building trust and acting as a confidential advocate for their rights and well-being.

One moment that sticks with Martha is helping a nonverbal resident who was confined to her bed or stationary chair. Unable to express verbally, the resident had difficulty conveying what she needed, but after spending time with her, Martha learned that she simply wanted a wheelchair. Martha brought her request forward and convinced the nursing home to allow her to have it. “Next thing I know, I’m walking down the hall, and there she was wheeling down the hall, waving at me,” Martha says with a laugh. She calls this one of the most impactful moments during her time as an Ombudsman.

Martha believes that her work as an Ombudsman has been just as meaningful to her as it is to the residents she supports. “While advocating for the seniors, I’ve matured in my ability to help solve problems. I’ve even found myself using skills I didn’t even know I had!”

Being an Ombudsman takes a lot of effort, but Martha finds it incredibly rewarding. She hopes to continue supporting residents and growing alongside them. If you also find fulfillment in helping others feel heard, respected, and supported, consider becoming an Ombudsman.