Elvira G., is the recipient of the 2023-2024 Award for Person-Centred Care– one of the highest honours within Circle of Care’s employee recognition program, Champions of Care.
Communication is Key
Meet Elvira G., a Circle of Care Personal Support Worker whose sensitivity and support provide comfort to clients and their families, even in good and bad times.
Elvira’s story begins in Israel, where she worked as a caregiver to the elderly. After coming to Canada and joining Circle of Care in 2008, she has continued to provide exceptional support for clients across the GTA.
While her job can sometimes pose challenges when clients are upset or struggling, Elvira’s dedication to her chosen career motivates her to seek ways to connect and communicate more effectively with them and their families. “It’s because I love this job,” she says.
One of the ways that Elvira connects with clients is by projecting an attitude of openness to learning from them. For example, Elvira speaks Hebrew and English, a bit of Russian; her eagerness to learn from clients, including new words and phrases in their languages, is especially important when clients cannot speak English. Ultimately, by finding ways to communicate with clients, Elvira establishes the trust and rapport that lead to good relationships and put clients at ease.
Bringing Peace and Comfort
In the last year, the family of one of Elvira’s clients contacted Circle of Care to thank Elvira for her role in caring for their mother in her final years:
“As we mourn the loss of our mother, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the care we have received from Elvira,” says the family member. “In the most professional way, she cared for our mother with patience and loving kindness; she brought us peace and comfort. She was sensitive and sensible in providing physical and emotional support. She went out of her way to learn Korean and was always willing to help. Practically for the last several years, our day began with Elvira’s visit. We are most fortunate to have known her. We will miss your daily visit, Elvira. Thank you for everything.”
Elvira was touched by the family’s gratitude. “I was flattered. I was thankful, I was very happy, I don’t expect that,” she says. She remains humble, assuring her peers, “I am not the perfect PSW but I think I’m doing my job well. I’m doing my best and making sure my clients are happy.”
Going above and beyond
Elvira’s efforts to learn Korean to better communicate and connect with her client is a shining example of going above and beyond to ensure the highest quality of care. And that is what she practices in her work on a routine basis.
It is this combination of dedication and sensitivity that led Elvira to receive the 2024 Circle of Care Award for Person-Centred Care. This award celebrates individuals who provide exceptional, safe, and compassionate care, both in the home and in the community. They exemplify person-centred care by approaching each individual as a whole person with unique needs.
Elvira’s ability to provide care with patience, kindness, and cultural sensitivity has brought peace and comfort to many individuals and families and left an indelible mark on their lives.
