Health Care Aide Day
October 18th is Health Care Aide Day, which honours the contributions of health care aides (HCAs) in our communities. From assisting with daily living to creating meaningful emotional connections, HCAs are essential in providing quality care to the senior residents living in Green Acres Foundation communities. This compassionate care contributes significantly to our residents’ physical and emotional well-being. Thank you!
Meet a few of our awesome health care aides at Green Acres Foundation: Monet, Hayley, Jenise, and Kathleen!
Monet
How long have you worked at Green Acres Foundation?
I have been working at Green Acres Foundation for a little over a year now but I have been a health care aide for the last seven years!
Why did you choose to become a health care aid/ work in healthcare?
I chose to work in health care because taking care of others has always been second nature to me. Taking care of injured birds and playing doctor eventually turned into providing compassionate care with an outstanding team of health care aides and it makes me feel fulfilled!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my residents happy and healthy! Working closely with our residents every day has given me the opportunity to grow meaningful connections with them and their families and be someone they can rely on.
What do you enjoy most about working with seniors?
Working with seniors is an absolute joy! Growing up, I inherited my grandfather’s dry sense of humour and being able to make the residents smile and laugh is my favourite part of the day! Creating a lighthearted and positive atmosphere is important to me because laughter is the best medicine!
Hayley
How long have you worked at Green Acres Foundation?
5 years
Why did you choose to become a health care aid/ work in healthcare?
I took care of a sick family member, and I have seen the entire process from home care to hospitals and I have really seen a need for more healthcare workers that cared.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Knowing that I can make somebody else’s day better. It’s little things like smiling during care, empathizing when they’re sad, and learning our resident’s different needs/wants so I can anticipate their requests.
What do you enjoy most about working with seniors?
I have heard incredible stories from people who have lived in a different generation. I’ve had seniors remind me how easy we live today because a lot of them have seen wars.
Health Care Aide Day is October 18. Is there anything you would like to highlight on this day?
Aging is something we all go through and we don’t get to choose how that process looks for all of us. As a health care aide, I just want to be a shining light in someone’s day that might otherwise be struggling.
Jenise
How long have you worked at Green Acres Foundation?
Almost a year
Why did you choose to become a health care aid/ work in healthcare?
I love helping people and making a difference in the seniors' lives I’m involved in!
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
If I can make someone smile, I’ve done my job!
What do you enjoy most about working with seniors?
Visiting and hearing all their stories growing up.
Kathleen
How long have you worked at Green Acres Foundation?
12 years
Why did you choose to become a health care aid/ work in healthcare?
I chose to be an HCA because I enjoy helping others.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Feeling good about helping others. Knowing I have done the best I could for them.
What do you enjoy most about working with seniors?
Getting to know residents and listening to their life stories. They become like family.
Health Care Aide Day is October 18. Is there anything you would like to highlight on this day?
Being an HCA is a rewarding job. It has its share of stressful, tough days but at the end of the day it’s a good feeling you've done the best you can do.