CeleMaytions: Regis Aged Care Homes make the month fun

Meet Judy, an exceptional volunteer at Regis Cranbourne who is committed to making a difference in the lives of the Regis community. Though she only began volunteering at the start of the year, her journey with Regis began over a decade ago when she worked as a cleaner at the Regis Frankston facility for almost ten years until her retirement in 2020 due to COVID-19.

After retiring, Judy realised that she missed the company of the residents and wanted to give back to the older members of the community. This led to her becoming a volunteer at Regis Cranbourne, which is close to her home, to give back in a meaningful way. Judy’s presence is felt throughout the Home, thanks to her versatile and resourceful helpfulness.

Gail, the Lifestyle Coordinator at Regis Cranbourne, says Judy has become an asset to the team. “Judy has become an integral part of the Lifestyle team and is always willing to help wherever she can […] She’s made genuine connections with the team and residents here,” says Gail.

Twice a week, Judy goes in to assist with their Coffee Clubs, provides one-on-one social support, and takes residents out on walks to the park.

Judy loves spending valuable time with the residents, hearing about their days, and listening to their life stories. When asked what she loves most about volunteering, she says it gives her a sense of satisfaction that she can bring a smile to the residents’ faces.

“I feel as though I have found a purpose in my retirement life where I can give something back to the older community,” says Judy.

“Everyone has been incredibly friendly and welcoming since I started and it brought me back to when I worked as a cleaner at Regis Frankston. I now know that this was something I was missing, and that’s why I decided to come back and be a volunteer; to become a part of people’s lives and provide purpose and kindness back to our lovely residents,” she adds.

In a statement shared with Talking Aged Care, Regis says that the company is immensely proud to have wonderful volunteers like Judy within their Regis community.

“They showcase the remarkable effects of giving back to our community and the significant difference it can make in people’s lives. Judy’s commitment to the Regis community is commendable, and we appreciate her generous spirit, hard work, and kind-heartedness towards the residents,” the statement reads.

It’s a big month at Regis Aged Care, not only for Judy and volunteers like her during National Volunteer Week (May 15 – 21), but for the Regis Birkdale facility, which is honouring mothers with luxurious spa sessions.

The highlight of the month-long mother-focused celebration in May is the weekly ladies spa session, where women were pampered with a range of luxurious treatments, including foot spas, hand massages, facials and nail painting.

The dedicated team at Regis Birkdale created a serene and tranquil environment for the mothers, complete with the soothing aroma of essential oils and calming music. Professional therapists provided gentle and skilled care, ensuring that every mother felt spoiled and cherished.

Cheryl, a resident at Regis Birkdale, says she was grateful for the spa session, which radiated relaxation.

“Every mother deserves the treatment we had today—a lovely massage and foot spa,” she says.

“We felt very spoiled today. The whole preparation for today’s spa was just amazing. It was a very relaxing and beautiful afternoon shared with good friends,” says fellow resident Nerida.

Regis Birkdale’s commitment to providing exceptional care goes beyond physical wellbeing, and special activities like the ladies spa sessions showcase the Home’s dedication to promoting holistic wellness.