Employee Spotlight

Q. How long have you been working for SSCHS?

A. Since 2010.

Q. Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

A. Generally I see an average of five clients, starting off with greetings, asking how they are, and chit chat for a few minutes, even about how the weather is outside. Then I provide personal hygiene care - shower, assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), laundry, clean the bathroom, take out the garbage, errands if needed, such as grocery shopping, and picking up medications and mail.

Some need reminders to take their medication and to eat. I also check the fridge for spoiled foods that need to be discarded.

Some clients need respite care for the caregiver to get things done. This might be toileting, watching TV, or having a conversation, along with transferring the client to get into the bed, providing toileting, adjusting blankets for the bed to be comfortable, connecting a CPAP machine, or massages.

Whatever is needed to add comfort to the clients is provided within the scope of practice.

In some homes there is only home support which means also cleaning their home environment, such as vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, floors, appliances, dusting, laundry, and polishing furniture.

All in a day's work.

Q. Who do you interact with the most at work?

A. Clients, the family, the caregiver, nurses, doctors, coworkers, supervisors, cashiers, employees at the drug store, the pharmacist, and the post office.

Q. How would your co-workers describe you?

A. That I am a hard worker who goes above and beyond, and that the clients like me.

Q. What's the best part about your job and working for SSCHS?

A. The best part about the job is providing care that the client likes done their way and hearing the appreciation for the job well done.

Q. What made you decide to get into this field of work?

A. I worked with the Red Cross in Timmins before working in Chapleau. I find that I can't just not help people. That's my personality; it's part of who I am. When my grandparents got sick - both had cancer within a year - that opened up my eyes to see I could take care of them. I was maybe 16 or 17. Then when my dad died in my arms, I felt powerless. I felt if only I had had training. Life has twists, people get sick, and I enjoy taking care of them through any avenue.

Q. What are some of your interests outside of work?

A. I like camping and spending time with my granddaughter who is four. My kids are older and recently all left the house so I'm chilling out and enjoying it! But I find when I want to unwind I'm often tackling a job or organizing and cleaning. I like to keep busy.