WHEN a group of Albury volunteers say their work is hands-on, you can take them literally.
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The Australian Red Cross Albury branch trained its first Hands On workers in 1960 and the program continues to run in aged care facilities in Albury and Howlong.
Wednesday’s session at Mercy Health Albury included a celebration because Hands On has received an Australian Red Cross Distinguished Team Service Award.
Albury branch president Jeanette Fealy, the accredited volunteer trainer, said the two-hour sessions each fortnight provided hand massages, nail filing, manicures and applying nail polish.
About 35 volunteers across the centres spend about 20 minutes with each resident as they care for their hands.
“We make good friends with the people we help,” Mrs Fealy said.
“It’s a privilege actually to listen to the treasure trove of stories that our residents unlock and allow us to listen to.
“Once you find common ground, the conversation just flows, which is lovely.”
The program also received a cheque from Albury councillor Henk van de Ven and his wife Sue, who have sponsored the program for the past three years.
“That keeps the supplies coming in for the year because nail polish lasts a long time,” Mrs Fealy said.
For North Albury’s Mavis McLellan, regular volunteering at Mercy Health allows her to keep in touch with her former neighbour now resident Betty Jones.
Miss McLellan began helping at the Albury facility, where her late mother spent her final 18 months, more than 19 years ago.
“When I finished work after 47 years, I needed something to do and volunteering here was the thing to do for me,” she said.
Mrs Jones enjoys taking part in every Hands On session.
“I like the contact and the way they keep the nails nice,” Mrs Jones said.
“I like to have nice fingernails.”
Miss McLellan said some of the women had never experienced such personal hand care before.
“They’ve always been working, you know, so it’s lovely to do their hands and listen to their stories,” she said.
Similarly some had never worn nail polish before.
“You try them with a little bit of light pink, ‘Wow’ and they’re back next time,” Miss McLellan said with a smile.
Mrs Fealy said Hands On would always welcome more volunteers throughout the facilities.
“It’s a little bit like a look good, feel good program in a small way,” she said.
“It makes (the residents) feel good about themselves, boosts their self-esteem and we have a friendly chat while we’re doing that.”
