Kitchen/housekeeping aide finds new love for work
Wednesday, December 14, 2005 -- Natalie Miller
Janet McInroy loves the glow seniors have in their eyes.

Working for more than six years in the kitchen and housekeeping departments at Burnbrae Gardens in Campbellford, Janet always enjoyed the long-term care home’s residents. She recently took training to work in another department at Burnbrae which has increased her job satisfaction and motivation.

“I wanted to do life enrichment so I could spend more time with the residents,” says Janet.

“I love being around older people and the glow in their eyes.”

Janet completed activation and supportive measures training and works every Wednesday in the life enrichment department. She regularly organizes residents for euchre and social time. One week, Janet noticed a man was having difficulty holding his cards. She asked her father to build the resident a little wooden stand for his cards. She enjoys giving residents tools “to make life better.”

Other times she’ll accompany them on Christmas light tours or offer pampering during the beauty nook. “It’s really nice to be able to come in and do the things you like to do with the residents.”

April Anderson, life enrichment co-ordinator says Janet is fitting in well.

“The integration has been amazing,” says April.

“She’s just going above and beyond.”

Janet has also taken on a shift in the kitchen that requires her to bake – something new for her as well. With the residents to act as her critics, she’s made lemon squares and butter squares, sugar cookies and gingerbread.

Down the road, Janet’s considering going back to school to gain her food service worker certificate and expects to keep up her role in life enrichment. “I appreciate it more,” says Janet about her new responsibilities.