Long-term care a great career, says West Lake employee
Monday September 17, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Debbie, who works in the housekeeping department at West Lake Terrace, says working in long-term care is the best job in the world. In fact, it’s the only job she has ever had.

And there’s no single, defining moment for Debbie when she realized she was working at a great job.

“Every day is that defining moment,” she says.

In her 24 years working at the Picton long-term care home, Debbie says it has been a rewarding experience.

“I just thought I’d like working with the elderly . . . they have so much to offer and their stories are wonderful,” she says.

One of the great things Debbie finds about working in the housekeeping department is that she can help residents on different levels.

While the nurses at a long-term care home ensure residents are receiving the proper physical care, housekeeping staff members like Debbie often engage them in deep conversations while tidying up their rooms.

“I can walk in and dust and clean their floor and have a little visit while I’m doing it, and I think they like that,” she says.

Working in long-term care, says Debbie, has certain benefits that you just won’t find in other jobs. When she leaves the home every day, Debbie knows she’s changed a small part of the world in a big way.

“It’s the satisfaction that I get at the end of the day, because I’ve made a difference in someone’s day – anything from a hug or smile,” she says.

Having a good attitude, says Debbie, is paramount to making a difference in a long-term care home. Having a smile on your face and being in a cheery mood makes a big difference when it comes to being around residents, she notes.

Julie Clarkson, life enrichment co-ordinator at West Lake Terrace, says she can see first-hand each day the difference Debbie makes in the lives of residents at the home.

“Her main focus in her work is what’s best for our residents here at West Lake to make sure that their home (looks like) a home,” she says. “She’s not just there to clean a person’s room, she’s there to make them happy.”