Cheryle Hague’s life has been so entwined with working in residential and community care in Bendigo that 35 years with the organisation have passed in a busy, happy blur. What is constant is the feeling of belonging. Of being part of a team that supports her and allows her to grow.
The Respite Intake Co-ordinator, who is based at the Bendigo home care office, recalls enduring friendships formed over the years; the feeling of pride in being able to make a difference to the lives of older people, and their carers; and the certainty that she is in a role that matters.
“It’s been quite a journey,” Cheryle says. “So much has changed in the aged care sector since I first started at Uniting Agewell. Regulations and standards are a lot more rigorous, we are all much more accountable. The needs of older people entering residential care are also a lot higher than they used to be because there is such great support in place helping them live well longer at home. Dementia cases are also increasing as people live longer.”
She was raised in Murrayville, did her nurses training at hospitals in South Australia, and lived in Wodonga, Darwin and Adelaide before settling in Bendigo. She and her husband, Peter, have been married for 45 years and share four children and eight grandchildren scattered across Australia.
Over her career, there are many memorable moments. Cheryle did the first-ever nursing night duty at the then newly opened Edwards Ward at Strath-Haven Community. She has always had a keen interest in dementia. “I loved working in the Edwards wing. Caring for residents with dementia is challenging but very rewarding.”
She recalls the elation when she was named Employee of the Year in 2012. The lump-in-the-throat feeling when, during the darkest hours of the COVID-19 lockdown, she was able to bring joy to clients by creating zoom group sessions where they made friends and chatted to each other on their tablets.
Cheryle spent 22 years at Strath-Haven in a number of roles. “I’ve certainly never been bored,” says Cheryle in what must qualify as the understatement of the year. “What I really love is that it’s been a rewarding career.”
Her years working in the community have been equally enjoyable. She leads the team for CHSP programs as well as The Cottage social support and respite services for the area. She also runs the “You are not alone” carers group, held on the first Monday of the month. The support group holds a special place in her heart. Carers open up, share stories and gain strength from one another.
She is equally excited about what the future holds following the building of the $13.3 million two-storey 30-bed wing. “It was such a proud moment when I went through the new wing the other day,” Cheryle says. “It’s like a five star hotel!”
Cheryle has sound advice to others thinking of entering the aged care sector: “You need a sense of humour and the ability to cope with change as the industry constantly evolves. But it’s a career that has great meaning.”
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