BC Care Providers Association is proud to be celebrating excellence in the sector through the 11th Annual BC Care Awards happening on March 4, 2025 at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C.
Following our previous nominee profiles for the BC Care Provider of the Year Award | Assisted Living, we are pleased to announce the final nominees in this category. Read about the nominees below.
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Lisa Bysterveld – Licensed Practical Nurse, Team Lead, Elim Village
Lisa has been an Assisted Living Team Leader at Elim Village for nearly 20 years, dedicating her time to listening, supporting, and providing guidance. A passionate advocate for residents, staff, and families, she continuously enhances the care of older adults. With over 120 residents in Assisted Living, Lisa takes the time to personally know each one and many of their family members. She is committed to delivering personalized, person-centered care that honours every resident as an individual.
“Lisa is confident, skilled, and reliable nurse at Elim Village. Her resilience and adaptability help’s her handle the changing demands of healthcare, while her compassion provides comfort to residents. Over time, she has become a mentor and role model to her colleagues, shaping a positive team culture. Her work truly embodies the heart of nursing – commitment, genuine care, and a lasting impact on others. She will go above and beyond for residents, families and her colleagues to ensure this is a great place to live and to work.” – Stephanie Chand, Care Manager
Lynn Boucher – Housekeeping, the Cascades Community & Retirement Living
With over 18 years of dedicated service, Lynn goes above and beyond her housekeeping responsibilities to ensure that the needs of our residents are met. Her regular cleaning routines are not just about maintaining a clean environment; they are opportunities for meaningful connections. She has built deep relationships with residents, transforming her time in their suites into moments filled with conversation and laughter. This personal touch not only brightens their day but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
For example, Lynn helped organize the home’s fall vaccine clinic. Not only did she assist with escorting residents to the clinic, but she also went out of her way to provide reassurance and comfort during the entire process. Many residents can feel nervous about medical appointments, but Lynn’s calm presence and warm demeanor helped ease their anxieties. Her thoughtfulness in making sure everything ran smoothly, from ensuring the residents’ comfort to adding that extra touch of hospitality, really made the event feel personal and caring.
“I see all the extra things she does, and she is always willing to help out with checking on residents, she will offer assistance in small tasks like handing out notices, delivering items or products, and because she knows assisted living so well, she will even be able to answer questions for families when the office staff is not present.” – Office Manager
Penny Suen – Activity Coordinator, Austin Harris Residence
Penny has dedicated over 23 years to SUCCESS Multi-Level Care Society, enriching the lives of residents through her innovative and compassionate approach. As an Activity Coordinator, she designs therapeutic and culturally appropriate programs that foster meaningful connections and enhance residents’ well-being. Her creative initiatives, such as documenting and showcasing residents’ special moments on a dedicated wall, spark joy and reminiscence among residents and their families.
A true leader with a background as a care aide, Penny expertly supports aging residents with complex needs while promoting safety, independence, and dignity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she went above and beyond by launching an in-house radio talk show to keep seniors engaged and connected. Her positive outlook, passion for senior care, and ability to treat residents like family make a lasting impact on both the residents and the team culture.
“Penny gives me the reassurance that my loved one is in good hands. I fully trust in her to provide the best quality of programs and care at the Residence. My mom loves to join in her activity programs and always raves about her attention to details. One of our favorite things is when Penny captures moments during events that we are not present; when we see it on the photo wall, it brings me great joy to see my mom’s smile and it is a treasured keepsake in our family.” – a resident’s family member
Thank you to our award sponsor for their generous support:
