Sonia M., Personal Support Worker, is the recipient of the 2021-2022 Award for Excellence – one of the highest honours within Circle of Care’s employee recognition program, Champions of Care.
Sonia’s Source of Happiness
Sonia M. fondly recalls the first time she visited a client in her role as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
“I felt so happy,” remembers Sonia. “I love helping people, and I was able to make a noticeable impact for the client right away.”
Sonia’s dedication to supporting others is reflected in ways that may not always be obvious. One of those ways is by making sure she practices self-care, so that she is healthy and ready to be available to help whenever needed.
“I know that my clients rely on me, so I take care of my health very well to make sure I don’t get sick. That way I can keep caring for my clients,” says Sonia.
As a PSW, Sonia helps older adults with their everyday tasks such as assisting with personal hygiene and grooming, along with providing household management, socialization, and emotional support. She’s there to help her clients with their routine activities and to encourage client independence. For Sonia, her clients make her smile everyday on the job.
“Some people only work for the end result of making money, but in my role as a PSW, I also get the privilege of working for happiness,” she says. “The most important thing for me is how I feel, and I’m always so happy to see my clients waiting for me – and they’re always so happy, which makes me happy!”
Her Circle of Support and Inspiration
As a Personal Support Worker, Sonia works with Client Service Supervisors (CSS) and Service Coordinators to provide the best possible care to older adults. These staff members support not only the clients, but Sonia and other PSWs as well in various situations.
“My clients and supervisors tell me that I’m a superstar, but I say ‘no, I’m not the superstar, the staff behind all of the services and programs are the superstars.’” she says. “I always feel a lot of support from them. Whenever I call my supervisor or coordinator, they immediately respond and listen.”
Sonia was nominated to receive Circle of Care’s Award for Excellence, as part of our Champions of Care program, by her Client Service Supervisor (CSS), as well as another CSS. Both stated how she often practices patience and compassion for her clients.
“Sonia is a champion in both the health and care component of personal and practical aspects of support and care. She has the gift of compassion and patience as she works with clients who are often in poor mental and/or physical health,” says Muna, Client Service Supervisor with Circle of Care.
Sonia’s patience for older adults with life-threatening illnesses or diseases stems from her compassion. She often tries to put herself in their shoes and remains professional.
“One day, I may need help too. It’s important to have compassion and care for the clients, because some of them may have an illness or disease that may limit their control over their body. This may change their temperament,” says Sonia. “At the end, when I finish my day, and my clients are happy, then I’m happy.”
Celebrated for Her Excellence
In June 2022, Sonia received the Champions of Care Award for Excellence. This award is given to someone who relentlessly advances the quality of care within the organization and pursues the highest standards in care. Sonia demonstrated a high quality of care to her clients and colleagues and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty.
“Even though I was picked to be a Champion of Care, I feel like all of us are Champions of Care, because everyone I meet here is always so supportive and goes above and beyond,” says Sonia.
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/
