As Jacquie Baker approached her 30th birthday she felt it was time for a career change. She was looking for a chance to make a difference in people’s lives. She had always enjoyed working with, and helping people, so the idea of becoming a community health care worker was very appealing to her.
“I was looking for a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. I have always enjoyed working with and helping people – this made a career as a community health care worker very appealing to me.”
Jacquie completed the Residential Care Aid course at MTI Community College. After her practicum she felt ready and excited to join the We Care Health Services team. She is WHMIS certified, and has completed First Aid and Food Safe courses. Every year she updates her training in dementia care and universal precautions.
Jacquie loves the diverse nature of her work. She cares for a variety of clients: seniors, those with physical disabilities, and those recovering from illness or surgery. The work itself will vary as each client’s needs do. Some of her clients need personal support for everyday activities: such as getting in and out of bed, bathing, and dressing. Others need assistance with the day-to-day tasks that are required in the upkeep of a household: such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. The majority of Jacquie’s clients are happy for the assistance, but occasionally some clients are resistant to any help. Jacquie has come up with creative solutions to overcome such obstacles. Over time their resistance subsides and they come to enjoy the independence that Jacquie’s assistance can offer them. Jacquie takes pride in how her respectful service allows her clients to remain in their own homes and maintain a sense of dignity.[quote name=”Jackie Baker” pull=”Left”]I was looking for a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives. I have always enjoyed working with and helping people – this made a career as a community health care worker very appealing to me[/quote]
One of the most rewarding aspects of Jacquie’s work is the companionship that she provides to those she cares for. The bonds and relationships that are formed are mutually beneficial. Jacquie looks forward to her visits with her regular clients just as much as her clients depend on her visits! These bonds are the most rewarding aspects of her job.
Jacquie loves her career and wouldn’t want to change it a bit. She knows that she makes a difference in peoples lives one home visit at a time.
“I think this is the most important job I have ever had. I help people stay independent, give them dignity, and help them stay comfortable in their own homes. Improving the quality of life of others is very important and feels great.”
– Written by freelance writer Cathy Szmaus for the Seniors Care HR Planning Committee. Funding for this project was provided by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
