Adeline C., Personal Support Worker, is the recipient of the 2020-2021 Award for Person-Centred Care – one of the highest honours within Circle of Care’s employee recognition program, Champions of Care.
Creating moments of happiness
For Personal Support Worker Adeline C., the most important part of her role is to connect emotionally with her clients.
“At the end of the day, if I can make them smile, then I consider that day a success,” says Adeline. “Their moments of happiness are my moments of happiness.”
Before joining Circle of Care in 2018, Adeline worked privately as a caregiver as part of Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program. She cared for an elderly gentleman for three years, until he passed away.
“It was hard caring for him at first because it was my first time caring for a senior,” says Adeline. “But, despite the challenges, I found the position to care for others very emotionally fulfilling and I loved every moment of it. This led me to pursue a career as a PSW.”
The work that Adeline does as a PSW allows her clients to live their lives to their fullest. Her duties include assisting with personal hygiene and grooming, along with providing household management, socialization, and emotional support. She’s there physically to help her clients with their routine activities and to encourage client independence.
Creating a Special Bond
For Adeline, being flexible, along with upholding kindness, patience, and integrity are vitally important when caring for others.
“Each client of mine has different needs and personalities. It’s important to not take anything personally when they’re having a bad day,” says Adeline. “I always try to bond with them to make them more comfortable. I like to talk with them, make jokes, sing, and just be myself around them.”
This connection with her clients helps her empathize with their daily experience, and she views her clients as an extension of her own family.
“My family is back in the Philippines and I’m unable to care for them, which is why my clients mean a lot to me,” says Adeline. “I see them as my parents and grandparents but also try and stay professional. By doing this, I make them feel more comfortable because it’s not a stranger in their home but a friend.”
Through her kindness and support, she has been able to create a comfortable atmosphere for her clients, including ones who were once reluctant to receive help.
“Adeline was able to build a connection with my mother who had extreme anxiety, and a reluctance to accept workers into her home. My mother looked forward to her visits every week and spoke very highly of how compassionate and patient Adeline is,” says a client’s daughter.
A Heart for Her Clients
Last year, when the pandemic hit, the dynamic between clients and PSWs changed, as masks and physical distancing (when not providing direct care) became necessary. Adeline found this experience to be emotionally challenging.
“I was worried every time I stepped outside my door because I didn’t want to infect my clients,” says Adeline. “It’s my duty to make sure they’re safe and healthy and the virus made me worry for them.”
Throughout the pandemic, Adeline has been extra cautious when caring for her clients and continues to do everything she can to protect them.
Celebrated for Her Person-Centred Care
In June 2021, Adeline 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.
“I’m delighted and thankful for the recognition,” says Adeline. “I wasn’t and do not expect anything in return, I just want to be able to help my clients any way I can.”
