Volunteer Cheryl says she is wealthy beyond means

Volunteer Cheryl Routledge spends a day each week at Labrina Village Residential Care, looking after residents’ nails and giving hand massages.

But her volunteer role is about much more than just making the residents’ hands look nice.

“There's only so much time that nursing staff can give and so volunteering is very important,” Cheryl said.

“We have a laugh and bring a little bit of joy to their day, that's what it's all about because a lot of them don't get relatives or family visiting and so I like to think that I can just brighten their day a little bit.

“They smile when they see me, they recognise me and they're comfortable with me.”

Caring is in Cheryl’s genes - her mother looked after children for work, and Cheryl has worked in the health profession for about 40 years, including time as a nurse in hospital and in laboratories.

Cheryl’s daughter now also works in childcare and her grandchildren are planning to work in health care.

A few years ago Cheryl retired and went on holiday and when she got back she realised life wasn’t as fulfilling as before.

“I didn't want to sit down and watch telly you know, that's not for me,” she said.

So she threw herself back into study, starting with Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), then a diploma in art therapy, followed by a course in reflexology - or hand therapy.

While Cheryl was looking for part time work she came across a call out for a volunteer at Labrina Village.

With her skills matching the role perfectly, plus her ingrained caring nature, Cheryl took on the role and has been volunteering now for two years.

She also works part time with a disability service provider, cares for her son and her father who live with her, and regularly gets her grandchildren off to school and home again.

Although her life is always busy, Cheryl makes time for volunteering because of the love she has for residents and the love she receives from brightening their days.

“I am wealthy beyond means,” she said.

“Wealth isn’t about money, it’s about having love.”

For more information about volunteering with Southern Cross Care visit our Volunteers page.