Merwick Volunteer Makes Sure Everyone Wins

Volunteerism has become a calling for 89-year-old Doris Gwin of Princeton.  For almost two years, Gwin has been volunteering at Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center and has become like family to many of the residents.  Four days a week, she comes in to play cards and interact with the residents.

When Gwin stopped working in 2010, she knew that the next part of her life would be devoted to volunteering at Merwick, located off Route 1 in Plainsboro. She started her volunteering at Merwick when it was located in Princeton, and many of the residents she first worked with there are now her regulars at the new facility located just off Route 1 in Plainsboro.

“The transition from working to purely volunteering was a bit of a shock at first, but it is worthwhile and I enjoy every minute of it.  I just feel blessed that I am able to get around and help out as much as I can,” Gwin said, who previously worked in a variety of service-oriented jobs.

“I love playing cards, especially when Doris comes in,” said Merwick resident Jack Yeager, who is a regular in Gwin’s card playing group.  The game of choice is called Manipulation and during Gwin’s games, everyone wins.

“Playing card games is definitely a mental stimulant, and that is why we play until everyone wins.  Residents won’t get as much time to play and work their minds if we just stop after one person wins,” Gwin said.

Not only does Gwin host card games, but every day during lunch she goes around to all of the residents and talks to them and gives hugs.  “Some of the residents see that I am working and are ready for their hug.”

Gwin emphasized the importance of volunteering at long-term care facilities such as Merwick.

“Interaction is very important and the residents really have a great time.  No matter what age you are, what you like to do, or what your schedule is, there is always a way to come in and volunteer.”

This article was submitted by Becky Taylor on behalf of Merwick Care & Rehabilitation Center as part of a way to highlight National Volunteer Week.