Every year, the BC Care Awards celebrate care providers who go above and beyond delivering care to our seniors.
This post features finalists for BC Care Provider of the Year (Long-Term Care), with an explanation of why they deserve to win, in the nominators’ own words.
Award winners will be announced in January. The awards ceremony will take place on February 19th, 2019 in Victoria.
Allison Mark – Brandt’s Creek Mews (Vantage Living)
Allison Mark is a dedicated, professional, supportive and gentle care aide with a passion for the needs of the older adult. She is remarkable in her ability to observe the residents’ needs and help to enhance their abilities; providing gentle cueing, guiding and encouragement to advanced care residents that allows them dignity, respect and independence.
Allison is a strong leader; able to communicate with her coworkers and strategize/problem solve the daily tasks and to ensure all teams work together for the common goal or resident-focused care. Allison is often asked to help mentor new team members and provides excellent shadow experiences and professionalism.
Andrea Wilksinson – Madison Care Centre
Andrea is a true nurse Nightingale. When she is helping out her residents through the most challenging of behaviors, she shows empathy and kindness, and genuinely just wants to help.
Andrea will try many different interventions to try to make any small “breakthrough” with each resident; whether it is singing a song, holding their hand, or trying to use distraction, patience is always there. She deserves this award as this will also inspire other nurses and caregivers to learn from Andrea. She is a leader, and a coworker and resident’s best advocate.
Anita Hannah – Spring Valley Care Centre
Anita is deserving of this award because she goes above and beyond for everyone that she cares for.
Anita is a team player, but also works very well independently. She deserves to be recognized for her continuous hard work and thorough nursing skills. She is reliable and someone that everyone can count on.
Azita Rafat – Kinsmen Lodge
Azita is deserving of this award due to her genuinely caring efforts made daily to improve quality of life for elders and staff.
She goes over and above to organize special birthday surprises, participate in special events with elders, and give extended time after shifts to spend quality time with them.
The staff and elders’ positive comments about Azita show how she makes Kinsmen Lodge a great place to work and live. Her humorous approach creates an environment of ease, evident by the continually positive feedback her interactions receive.
Barry Henning – Beckley Farm Lodge (Broadmead Care Society)
Working in Dementia care can be physically and emotionally exhausting at times for staff. Barry is invested in the lives of our residents and sees them as individuals. He strives to make a difference in each resident’s day and lets them know they are special.
Bikram Athwal – Broadmead Care Society
Bikram’s commitment and contributions to the residents and their well-being makes a tangible impact on their everyday lives, and well as on families and staff.
She knows the residents well and is very focused on maximizing their retained abilities to improve their quality of life. Bikram also helps to support the team by redirecting residents that may be anxious, agitated or disruptive. She provides stress free distractions to refocus their energies onto a positive pathway.
Family members feel that she is “a miracle worker” in her ability to encourage and engage their loved ones, especially when their own attempts have failed. Whether it is a group activity or a one-on-one intimate exchange, Bikram brings a positive, caring attitude to making every moment matter, and is a valued member of our team!
Community Unity Committee (Ashley Pizzey, Jessica Ramgren, Lindsey Philcox) – Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre
The Community Unity initiative at Gemstone was created by team members who are passionate about serving seniors and creating connections with the broader community. These ladies are proud of the generous spirit that lives among residents and team members at Gemstone, many of who have lived in the Kamloops area their whole life and were thrilled to support the For the Love of Food event.
The committee continues to do more and more. For example, the entire Gemstone team participated in the December coat drive. Over 50 coats, boots, etc. will be donated to the local non-profit JUMP. They keep going!
Crystal Clark – Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre
Crystal Clark is deserving of this award because of the passion and innovation she has shown in implementing the Intergenerational Mother Goose Program. It has provided opportunities for not only staff to be involved with the life our home, but multiple generations of families and residents are able to bond and build relationships in a fun way.
Crystal has ensured this program thrives and continues to grow. It has been an example within our community in which other homes have started to embrace and look to Crystal for recommendations and support. We feel she saw the vision of what an Intergenerational Mother Goose Program could look like and exceeded it.
Daniel Manyk – Nicola Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
Daniel is an exemplary caregiver and a team player. He always looks for ways to support team members, ensuring residents’ optimum safety and improving their quality of life. He uses the Recovery Focus in Mental Health to ensure residents are living life to their fullest and working towards increased independence. Daniel is genuine in his approach with all residents and staff. He is integral to the company he works for. He is professional with all staff, and is able to maintain this going between roles as president of the staff association and as a nurse on the floor.
Dawn Muir – Ridgeview Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
Dawn deserves to be recognized for her compassion, care and true dedication to the residents, to Ridgeview and to her team members, and for the touches she puts on her day-to-day work. Dawn has such a big heart and is always greeting everyone with her smile and her laugh. The residents absolutely love her and we don’t ever want to know what Ridgeview life would be like without her.
Dianna Lojstrup – Broadmead Care Society
Dee is kind, committed to excellence, patient and demonstrates a sincere desire to give the best possible care to her residents. She is constantly checking in with me (her RN) to update me about her concerns for their comfort (for example, if they have pain, decreased appetite, odd moods, etc.) She handles even the most distressed residents with poise, grace and kindness. It is such a pleasure to work with Dee and I am delighted to see her nominated–she absolutely deserves it.
Effie Warden – Glacier View Lodge
Effie has held our team together through many changes over the past three years. She has worn many hats and always been there to support, reflect and improve our culture and philosophy of care.
One resident stated, “So many people at Glacier View Lodge go above and beyond their job description, however when you look in a dictionary under empathy, compassion and selflessness, there will be a picture of Effie Warden.”
Janalee Edwards – Lake Country Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
Janalee Edwards is deserving of this reward not only because of her consistent and tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents, but also because of her commitment to her coworkers. Her integrity, work ethic, communication skills, leadership skills and energy make Lake Country Lodge a better place to be for all.
Janet Mcdonald – Ridgeview Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
Janet is well-deserving of this award. To know that it doesn’t take someone with a course to be known as a caregiver or show true compassion to your work and your residents. Janet is a one of a kind team member and we can’t imagine our environment without her. We wish Janet all the best and hope that she can be recognized for her tremendous contributions to our home.
Leah Duff – The Cascades (Sienna Senior Living)
Leah is a pleasure to work with. The residents love her bubbly, kind nature.
She shows a genuine concern for all people, residents and staff. She is thoughtful, caring and totally deserving of this award.
She is the first person I thought of when I saw I could nominate someone. We all need more “Leahs” in residential care.
Lisa Mackenzie – Sidney All Care Canada
Lisa always come to work with a positive attitude. She makes moments matter with our residents and works hard to ensure they have a special day. She makes their bath an experience and not just a bath. She focuses on what the resident wants for their bath and enhances their experience with a custom playlist, and making sure the water is to their preferred temperature. She will shop for items on her own time that she knows will enhance their bathing experience, and will stay late or pick up extra shifts when needed. She organizes and tracks the bath schedule to ensure that residents don’t miss their bath.
Anytime there is training or team events she is there. She is always looking at how she can enhance her skills and pass on her knowledge to her fellow team members. If there is a team member event, she comes and brings her family. When we are looking for people to help with something, she is the first to put her hand up. She is always the first one to say thank you and shows appreciation for receiving training or when team events are put on. She also acknowledges others’ hard work.
Lisa is someone who says yes. If someone needs help, she is there. She is truly a team player and a valued one. We are so proud to have Lisa on our team.
Lisa Thomas – Mariposa Gardens (Sienna Senior Living)
Lisa has been with Mariposa Gardens since 2014. She is one of our truly committed care staff who provides cheerful, positive care to all residents. She is respectful towards family members. Lisa is a role model and a mentor who always says yes when asked to assist with orientation of new staff.
Lisa exemplifies our vision, mission and values with her passion, respect and responsibility everyday.
Lisa Tobin – Mariposa Gardens (Sienna Senior Living)
Lisa has been with Mariposa Gardens since 2015. She is one of our truly committed care staff who provides cheerful, positive care to all residents. She is respectful towards family members. She is always willing to assist with staff development. Lisa is a role model by taking initiative without being asked and collaborates with co-staff and leadership.
Lisa exemplifies our vision, mission and values with her passion, respect and responsibility everyday.
Meena Patel – Hilton Villa Seniors Community
Meena is always a pleasure to work with, as coworkers, nurses, managers and community partners say. She always has a welcoming smile and when she’s asked about her unit she would know what is going on and if not, she will find out for you.
Meena is hardworking and takes the time to get to know her residents. Her compassion and care is genuine and it shows in how families value her. She is a regular member of the Occupational Health and Safety committee and is vocal in voicing out safety concerns for residents and staff. She also thinks outside the box and is willing to try new things. When we would have residents that are not that easy to take care of, she would often come up with an idea to try out—for example, a waterless shampoo for a resident who does not like getting his hair wet.
Michelle Marshall – Brookside Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
When I think of what it means to be a caregiver, Michelle comes to mind. She continuously seeks out ways in which she can improve the quality of life for the residents she serves.
It is not just a job for Michelle, it is just who she is—a caring, compassionate and genuine person. She has the ability to make strong connections with the most challenging of residents.
She volunteers her time outside of work to the residents, music being one of her favorite ways to connect with them. She can often be heard laughing and belting out a favorite tune with the residents. She deserves to be recognized for the significant impact she makes each and every day.
Marion “Mimi” Radbourne – Rosemary Heights Seniors Village (Retirement Concepts)
Mimi has gone above and beyond for our residents. She has made strong connections with families; takes the time to support them; helps them understand what is happening with regards to disease progression and behaviors; and gives them tools to connect with loved ones.
Many families seek her out and keep in touch with her well after their loved one is gone. Mimi wears her heart on her sleeve and that is what makes her a fantastic therapeutic recreation manager.
She treats all our residents as if they were her family; laughing with them in good times and bad; sharing real memories with families; lending an ear to them; and allowing them a good cry, if needed, with encouraging words of comfort. Her sense of humor can get anyone to crack a smile, redirect the most challenging residents, allowing them to think it was their idea all along.
I am so very proud of Mimi and her accomplishments. Even during her own personal challenges, she comes to work determined to make a difference, and I am honored to work alongside of her.
Noelle Pascoe – Vantage Living
Noelle has implemented a mealtime companion program with interactive activities and simulations. The participants gain a greater understanding and appreciation for those residents who require mealtime assistance as well as those who are affected by dysphagia.
Residents have benefited from better nutrition and enjoyment during their meals, and experience reduced boredom and loneliness. We’re thankful to Noelle for taking the time to educate companions to provide the best mealtime experience for all residents living at Vantage Living sites.
Sandra Hyslop – Ridgeview Lodge (Sienna Senior Living)
Sandra is a true example of a compassionate, caring, dedicated, hard working and loving caregiver. Sandra will always be looked upon as a role model by those working here at Ridgeview.
Her work ethic is amazing, and she is such a tremendous person, inside and out. We wish Sandra all the best and hope that she has the opportunity to win this award, and show the community what an amazing caregiver she is.
Shelley Stene – Langley Care Society
Shelley is a lover of animals and often creates spontaneity in her home area at Langley Lodge by bring in the young chicks, a goat or other animals of interest. Shelley is a role model for volunteerism and often brings her children to volunteer at Langley Lodge events. This intergenerational, elder-centered approach to life is paramount to the service Shelley provides to all. Each morning she is at work, you can smell fresh bread baking and often some soup or stew simmering on the stove.
Shelley gets everyone engaged in larger celebrations but also pays close attention to the simple daily things such as reading the newspaper each morning during breakfast and discussing local and world events. Her human touch and respect for people and their diversity shows in her ability to ensure the residents have choices and a purpose each day.
A great example occurred at Halloween where Shelley spent time with each resident in the home area and helped them to choose a costume based on their individuality. It was quite a show stopper with decorations and beautiful costumes. The elders were so happy and engaged.
She definitely stands out as seeing the possibilities at a time when we often hear about what is challenging in residential care. Shelley is focused on the possibilities and is a champion when it comes to providing care with respect, dignity and honoring elders in her life. The elders who are cared for by Shelley benefit from her authenticity, caring and love of life.
Susan Arlitt – Discovery Harbour Care Centre – CARECORP
Susan is simply Susan. She is such a shining star. She works so well with residents, families, the interdisciplinary team, the leadership team, recreation, and support services including housekeeping, dietary, laundry and maintenance. She is the glue that support all departments.
Her communication style is well-received by many. Everyone can learn from Susan. She always has best practice, ways of being, and creates an environment of fun. She shares her heart with the residents. She is irreplaceable and deserves nothing but respect and genuine gratitude.
Zarina Manongdo – Spring Valley Care Centre
Zarina is deserving of this award because she is outstanding in her field. Her compassion and strong work ethic is well-recognized by other staff, residents and the organization.
She is a team player who has a positive influence on other employees. She brings joy to all the residents by taking time out of her day to make sure they feel special.
The BC Care Provider of the Year Award is sponsored by Marquise Hospitality – Compass Group Canada.
