To conclude our series of nominee profiles ahead of the 12th Annual BC Care Awards, we present our Examples of Excellence, those who exemplify years of dedication in developing and delivering quality care for individuals in care. Read about them below.
Loyce Aaku – Chartwell Crescent Gardens
Loyce has been a steadfast member of the Chartwell Crescent Gardens community since 1998, consistently embodying the highest standard of resident-centered care. Her calm and compassionate presence is felt by everyone she encounters: residents, team members, and family members like. She invests every moment of her shift ensuring residents feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for. Whether she is tending to personal care needs or preparing a welcoming environment, Loyce approaches her work with the heart and intuition of a truly exceptional caregiver.
Loyce has played a pivotal role in shaping the quality of care at Crescent Gardens through her mentorship and leadership Many current care aides received their foundational training under her guidance, benefiting from her work ethic and kindness. On evening shifts, she is known for ensuring residents enjoy meaningful social time, never go to bed hungry, and always feel seen and value. Her influence has creating lasting improvements in care practices, enriching both organizational performance and resident well-being. Loyce’s dedication, warmth, and commitment make her an irreplaceable and well valued member of the Crescent Gardens team.
Christine Smith – Founder and Owner, Living Well Home Care
Christine Smith, the Founder and Owner of Living Well Home Care from 2003 until her passing in August 2025, dedicated her life to transforming home care on the North Shore. Beginning her career at Para Med as a Scheduler and later at Seniors One-Stop assisting seniors directly, Christine witnessed firsthand the gaps in local home care services. Motivated by a deep commitment to people-first care, she started Living Well from her kitchen table with the vision of matching clients with caregivers who genuinely fit their needs, rather than simply filling a shift. Through her tireless work, reputation for excellence, and word-of-mouth advocacy, she built a home care agency that was deeply respected for both the quality of care and the compassion of its staff.
Christine’s influence extended far beyond her business operations. She was a staunch advocate for home care to be recognized as an equal alternative to long-term care, fighting for provincial oversight and a seat at the table for her sector. She supported countless seniors who lacked access to the care they needed, sometimes providing services free of charge when no other options existed. Her generosity also extended to her staff, often assisting with personal hardships — from buying Christmas gifts for their children to delivering meals — always in a manner that reflected her humility and care for her team.
Under Christine’s leadership, Living Well achieved remarkable recognition. One of her proudest achievements was being one of the smallest agencies to be Accredited with Commendation by Accreditation Canada in 2013. Since the introduction of the Assurity Certification program, Living Well has been extremely proud to carry the Provincial certification to demonstrate their on-going commitment to quality care. Christine’s legacy continues through her daughter, Alisha Aebi, and through staff like General Manager Lene Parenteau, who carry Christine’s vision and advocacy forward in the home care sector. Christine’s life and work exemplify the highest standards of compassion, dedication, and leadership in the home care sector, leaving a lasting impact on the senior’s community and those who serve them.
***
Click here to register for the 12th Annual BC Care Awards ceremony.
