On a windy Monday morning in Port Macquarie three men are packing a car with meals as part of Omnicare's Meals on Wheels service in the Hastings.
The men are not necessarily your typical volunteers though, they are living with dementia.
Volunteer Ken Wills said he finds the job "interesting".
"It is better than just playing cards at the centre, you are doing something to help people," he enthuses.
Former research scientist Warwick Felton, who has early onset dementia, is equally enthusiastic.
"It is a nice thing to do and good way to meet people," Mr Felton said.
Now retired, he and his wife split their time between Tamworth, Sydney and Port Macquarie.
He is deeply intelligent and conversational throughout the delivery.
"It is details and the small things I forget," Mr Felton tells the Port News.
"I can remember the big things."
Omnicare disability support worker Douglas Ansell helps the men with the delivery.
For him it is a "win-win situation".
"It works perfectly," he said.
The volunteers are part of Greenmeadows Day Centre.
The respite centre incorporates the Montessori Method of learning to help re-engage and rekindle the passions and strengths of people living with dementia.
"From our Montessori approach we encourage our clients to do as much as they can by themselves," he said.
"By doing repetition, a similar role every time, first time they might not grasp but over time it become routine."
The Montessori Method was created in the early 1900s for childhood development and education by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori.
The principles have been adapted worldwide for people living with dementia, predominantly in residential care.
Research shows this has led to positive health outcomes for many living with dementia.
Senior branch officer at Omnicare's Port Macquarie Meals Service Tamara King is grateful to the men for volunteering.
The Port Macquarie service alone helps 130 clients with frozen and hot meals.
And it isn't just about the food, clients appreciate the company too.
"There is a social element, it is about the conversation too," Ms King said.
Christmas time is when the service is particularly in demand.
Could they do with more help?
"We are always looking for more volunteers," she exclaimed.
"We never say no."
