1. art and entertainment
2. humor

for
Carewest Staff Appreciation Week
June 8-14, 2015
From June 8 to June 14, 2015 we are once again taking the time to pause, reflect, acknowledge and
celebrate the work that each of you do on a day-in and day-out basis in support of our residents, clients, their families and other staff.
As you reflect on what a typical day may look like, it doesn’t take long to realize the hundreds of times
we connect with our residents, clients, their families, colleagues and public at large. It’s these points of
contact, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, that determine if we are living up to our
Philosophy of Care and values as an organization. The last year is no exception; Carewest has once
again demonstrated phenomenal success in supporting and enriching the lives of the 1,400 residents
and thousands of clients we provide care to and serve.
This success is only made possible by the unwavering commitment and dedication of the staff. I hope
that as you reflect on the contribution you have made over the past year, you truly appreciate the
difference you have made. The ability to help celebrate in the joy and success that a resident, client
or your colleagues may have achieved, taking the time to listen and show compassion in the difficult
times and to encourage and support the human spirit is an immeasurable contribution and the hallmark of a Carewest employee. Carewest is very fortunate and grateful to have such a wonderful workforce.
Let’s take the time during staff appreciation week to acknowledge and say thank you to one another for
helping to create a community and culture that we are proud to be part of, as you do so well with our
residents and clients, smile and show them that you care!
On behalf of our Carewest Board and the Executive Leadership Team, I would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to each and every one of you for bringing your heart to work.
Blair Phillips
Acting Chief Operating Officer
For this year’s Staff Appeciation Week, we wanted to give our residents, clients
and families the opportunity to express their thanks and appreciation and basically
tell us why they love Carewest staff. We received a flood of letters from around the
organization.
Please read on...
Letters from Carewest Colonel Belcher
“Avani is a breath of fresh air. Always stops by with a smile and gentle touch. Avani makes an effort to acknowledge
the people.”
“The Carewest staff, to me, are very helpful and doing work well, physically and spiritually.”
“I would like to commend Judy. She is so efficient in getting things done. Judy is so gentle and knows how to make
the resident feel safe and secure. Judy has a caring personality. When Judy is on duty, I feel my husband will get good
care.”
“Sophie is caring and very efficient. Sophie always has a smile and a caring gentle touch. I feel good when I know
Sophie is on duty.”
“I would like to thank all of the Highlander staff in caring for our father. He is adapting and joking with a lot of the
staff. Thanks for what you do. It is a difficult job.”
“My husband is a resident and I am most impressed with the care and attention that he receives (and myself). They
appear to go out of their way to meet your needs. The other area that I find so rewarding is the effort to bring entertainment and the variety. Pub hour is such a nice diversion, even if you don’t partake in the spirits. I am impressed.”
“The staff is wonderful and I have no complaints. I am happy with the service. I like the staff at the Belcher.”
“Staff is very helpful, caring. I am very happy with the care they give. I am thankful I live here.”
Letters from Carewest Garrison Green
“My companion has been a resident at Garrison Green for 2.5 years. I have had very good communications with the
unit clerk, doctor, nurses and also cleaning staff. They are caring and helpful with any concerns I have.”
“To all the staff and caregivers on the fourth floor: thank you. Thank you for making Nonnie happy and giving him
such good care. It gives us great peace of mind knowing he is well taken care of.”
“I really appreciate the moments of friendship wit the staff and when they take the time to do the little things that
make my life so much more enjoyable.”
“Staff are pleasant and caring. I love the physiotherapy and recreational staff who go the extra mile to make things
nice.”
“I would like to express my appreciation to the women and men who work second floor – days, evenings and
nights. I am very thankful for all their assistance and kindness. Special thanks to Natamar, Rowena, Joya, Jumai,
Miriam and all the nurses! Christie, Erlisa and Bev and many more. To Vanessa, our Unit Clerk, thank you for all
the extra little things you do for all the residents!”
“This note is to acknowledge the care my wife Janet has been afforded by the Carewest staff at Garrison Green. My
wife was transferred from the Fanning Center when the Garrison Green care center opened. She was resident #2. I
cannot express enough gratitude to Janet’s doctor (Catherine), the management and all the staff at Garrison. Everyone there demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, knowledge and concern for Janet and my family. Designated
RN’s, LPN’s, main floor reception, 2nd floor unit clerk, and all others are honest, friendly and receptive to questions
or family concerns surrounding Janet. My personal and sincere appreciation is extended to all, in sometimes a very
challenging career choice.”
“Jackie is terrific. Jackie is a really good, caring nurse.”
“Mark is a really good caring nurse.”
“Loretta, Unit Clerk, is excellent. Always happy, beautiful smile. Loretta is fantastic. Thank you for being thoughtful
always.”
“Melissa’s work is excellent.”
Letters from Carewest Rouleau Manor
“Our journey with Carwest started on April 16, 2015. To be honest I had never heard of Carewest Rouleau Manor
until this date. The first contact was with John, what a pleasure. We as a family had complied a list of questions
of what we thought were a major concerns and questions regarding the facility. All our questions were answered
with honesty and focus on the mission of the facility. On that date we attended Rouleau Manor for a tour.
Upon arrival we were greeted and accompanied by two staff members to the actual room that was available on the
2nd Floor Dementia Unit. The staff lended themselves to 2 hours of questions and answers for my son and myself.
We left with a feeling of great comfort that this was the best place of Ken. How could we be so lucky! We made the
decision to accept the placement on April 14, 2015 and prepared for administration on April 20th with great peace
of mind.
The weekend of preparing ourselves and Ken for this transition was very emotional, however, made a little easier
with the knowledge that he was being admitted to such a wonderful care facility. Upon arrival on the 20th we
were greeted by Michele and our journey began.
I had never envisioned that the process could go so smoothly, but it did with the assistance of all staff involved. As
result of their efforts Ken’s confusion was kept to a minimum and went very smoothly.
Meeting with Michele with regards to financial matters, as well as handing over of the Carewest Rouleau Manor
Manual was completed efficiently. I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with Kathryn (Social Worker) how I
had met a few years ago at the Alzheimer Society. All the necessary documentation were provided by myself as I
had been advised years ago by Kathryn that these forms would be required in the future. So glad that I had followed her recommendations and was able to provided all necessary information, which I believe helps with the
care of Ken enabling Rouleau Manor staff to provided the best of care.
Ken has adjusted well to his surroundings and seems to be very happy, as well as much less agitated then he was
prior to administion. Visits have gone extremely well, with no questions as to “when am I leaving” what a relief!
Any concerns or requests that I have had been addressed quickly and in a positive manner, which gives great piece
of mind.
In closing I must say that I have never felt that I have made the wrong decision. It was the best one for all of us
involved from a safety and care stand point. All of this is based on the wonderful caring staff of Rouleau Manor.
I look forward to volunteering in the fall once I have a clear understanding of how my life will look with these
changes. I know that the staff will assist me with transition as long as I keep the communications open. Keeping
in mind that communications leads to success.”
Letters from Carewest Signal Pointe
“Awesome! I would really want the staff to feel deeply appreciated for all they do and care that they have shown
my husband. I wish that all staff really knew that they are making a huge difference in our lives and that they are
very important to our quality of life. Thank you to all the wonderful staff. All the staff have made it possible for
me to cope with this very difficult situation. Without your help, my life would be much more difficult. Thank
you!”
“I have always said thank you because they do such a good job. Yes, Carewest has made a very positive impact.
Staff are very friendly, very helpful, very understanding, have always smiles and very efficient.”
“With regard to the Adult Day Program staff: they are very welcoming and pleasant. They appear very knowledgeable and along with their warm smiles and gentle ways, I feel that my husband is in a good, safe and happy
place. Many thanks to them.”
“Thank you very much for all the help and support for Karim over the years. You have helped enrich and extend
his time so that our family can share more time with him. We appreciate your efforts!”
“My husband started the Wednesday program 11 weeks ago. I was worried he might not like it but he seemed to
not mind and seemed stimulated after coming back home. He can’t remember to tell me any details of what he
has done but seems to like it. The atmosphere is so welcoming and cheerful. The staff members are all lovely and
caring from the lady at the front desk – Marcy – to Jennifer, Cecilia, Maribeth, Marivic and the others helping.
Not to mention Young, who is extremely nice and helpful. He was the one who first called us and gave us a very
good interview and welcome. We are very happy and impressed with them all. Thank you.”
Letters from Carewest Royal Park
“When life is good, time flies by. We have too much to be thankful for. I want to thank some of the staff for
their wonderful and warm, caring – Irene, Rowena, Rhoda, Jenalyn, Judith, etc. A special thanks to Erika for
her patience and kindness. Ryan is a most likeable efficient manager.”
“I like people that stop and smile; and would go that extra mile; To look after me promptly when needed;
Then I would say that they have succeeded; to make me happier and more comfortable; to play games on a
fireplace table.”
Letters from Carewest Nickle House
“Craig has made a HUGE positive impact on my life. The incredible quality and attention to detail in his work
is something special. He takes his work very serious and always tries his best. He is constantly on top of everything; no details seem to be missed when he is here. He gets the big things correct, but also the little things
he does to make the day a little better is impressive. Everyone loves it when he is working and perhaps that is
the best indication of how revered he is here. He possibly impacts the quality of life here more than any other
member of the staff. I would like to take this opportunity to say a great BIG, heartfelt Thank You. Thank you
for making my life better.”
“Andrew has made a very positive impact on me. He is incredibly helpful, always willing to lend a hand when
needed. Even if he is on his break or busy with something, he always puts resident needs first and foremost.
Without question he goes above and beyond what is required of him each and every day. I see him making
a connection with other residents as well. Making residents laugh or simply hanging out with them, even
though he could be taking time for himself. He seems to truly enjoy discussing movies, TV, current events or
sports with residents. To be honest, he is the only reason game night is fun. He is genuinely excited at playing board games with the residents and this excitement makes everyone engaged and happy.Overall, Andrew
makes living here better through his helpful attitude and the cool connection he makes with residents. We are
all lucky he works here.”
Letters from Carewest Sarcee
“To the nurses of Sarcee Hospice: Thank you so much for the compassionate care you provided to my mother,
who lost her battle with cancer on May 9, 2015, nearly 14 years to the day since her first diagnosis. My family and
I appreciate the competence and tenderness with which you met our mother’s needs. You were forthright and
comforting with our family, providing reassurance and hugs as we needed them. You helped us in so many ways
to get through this most distressing time. To the volunteers: Thank you for listening to mom’s stories while she
could still speak, for sharing with us your own brief time with her, and for the comforting presence you provided.
Sarcee Hospice is a haven of solace for patients and for those who must see them depart. I miss my mom so
much, but I take comfort in knowing that her long ordeal is over and that her last month was spent in a serene
environment surrounded by such caring people.
Can’t say enough about the staff at the hospice. There was a day when I was overwhelmed by the situation, standing in the doorway of my mom’s room trying not to cry, and a nurse who was leaving for the day—she had her
coat on and her bags on her arm—saw me, took my by the arm, led me to the family lounge and sat with me,
rubbing my back and reassuring me while I cried like a baby. I don’t know her name. But we found all the nurses
that compassionate—they care and they go the extra mile. I think it takes a special person to work in a hospice.”
Letters from around Carewest
“During a difficult time, I would thank the following people for making a big difference: Jackie, Anna Rosa,
Francis.”
“Thank you for the care you give me!”
“It has been wonderful to work with you. And it’s been a good learning experience - seeing what’s it’s like
when one is older. I hope there will be as good, kind and caring staff as what we saw when we were at each
Carewest facility when we may need such care in the future. There are so many staff that are absolutely gifted
with kindness towards the residents, and it just really emanates from them. It was very touching for both of
us to see the kindness and compassion of the staff. We have a friend that now lives at Garrison, and I think
he waited for three years to get into there, because he heard it was such a good facility. He’s very pleased with
his new home there.”