Christine H., Personal Support Worker, is the recipient of the 2021-2022 Award for Person-Centred Care – one of the highest honours within Circle of Care’s employee recognition program, Champions of Care.
An Unexpected Career Turn
Christine never envisioned herself pursuing a career in Personal Support Work. It was through a friend of hers, someone who was already a Personal Support Worker themselves, that Christine learned about what the role was and what it entailed.
It caught her attention immediately and she decided to give it a try. She enrolled in a PSW program, and after graduating from her program, she started working to support clients in their homes.
“It worked out,” says Christine. “It may not have been what I originally intended to do, but I’m glad I stumbled upon the career, because I enjoy what I do.”
Bringing Joy to Her Clients
Recently, one of Christine’s clients spiraled into depression after discovering that her cancer had returned. To accommodate for the recurring visits to her doctor’s office, the client’s schedule needed to change, which also meant she would have to be assigned a new Personal Support Worker.
However, taking the client’s situation in consideration, Christine willingly offered to work outside of her availability on multiple occurrences to ensure the client was comfortable and able to receive care from a familiar face.
“Christine brought such great joy to this client who was afraid of having someone new during the pandemic. This is only one of many acts of kindness and dedication that Christine showcases daily. She is a rare soldier of love,” says Tammyrose, her Service Coordinator.
In Christine’s eyes, the joy she brings to her clients is reciprocated back to her as well. When she is having a hard day, her clients bring a smile to her face by their kind words.
“Making my clients happy motivates me to work harder because I know my help goes a long way for them. But when life happens and I am not in the greatest mood sometimes, just simple acts of kindness—like them being nice to me—makes me feel better and appreciated,” she says.
Advocating For Her Clients
For Christine, advocacy plays a significant role in ensuring safe person-centered care.
” Christine is professional and advocates for her client’s needs. She has a sense of responsibility and reports any of the risk and safety events in a timely manner, to make sure the matters are addressed,” says Muna, Christine’s supervisor. “Christine is the eyes, the ears, the hands and the voice of one of the most frail and vulnerable sectors of our society.”
Advocacy can come in various forms from simply lending an ear to listen to someone in need to speaking up if the patient is at risk. Through her compassion, courage, and strong will, Christine is always helping her clients be heard and she plans to never stop.
“I am a firm person and strong minded and I put all of that towards my clients. When I know certain things are not going right, I use my level of expertise and make sure I am heard. I never stop advocating for them,” says Christine.
Celebrated for Her Person-Centred Care
In June 2022, Christine received the Champions of Care Award for Person-Centred Care. This award is given to an employee who provides exceptional care and service by creating a safe and compassionate environment while approaching each individual as a whole person with unique needs.
“It feels really good to be recognized and to feel noticed. It is truly a rewarding experience,” says Christine, in response to receiving the award.
Our Champions of Care program is designed to recognize employees who go above and beyond their day-to-day duties, and who exemplify Circle of Care’s values. Nominations are collected each year from April 1 to March 31, and winners are announced each June. We welcome nominations by Circle of Care clients and family members on behalf of staff members that you interact with. If you would like to nominate a Circle of Care employee for an award, please fill out our nomination form: https://www.circleofcare.com/champions-of-care-nomination-form/
