I have been working as a long-term care aide in the Interior for more than 20 years.
We take care of the residents, making sure they are fed, bathed and their sores tended to, as well as ensure their safety.
Working with residents who have heavy dementia can be challenging, as there are times we come across some who can be violent or have a history of aggression. Sometimes, we need to protect other residents and family members that come in.
The residents come to our facility when it is no longer safe for them to be at home, or when their loved ones can no longer take proper care of them.
Sometimes, they haven’t been assessed properly because we are all short-staffed, including the nurses and doctors.
For me, your heart has to be in this job. It can be a difficult work to do. The residents deserve compassionate care. They become family, and it’s hard when they pass away.
I love my job and putting a smile on the residents face makes it all worthwhile.
- Jodi, Care Aide, part of the health care team