When it comes to the care of senior adults, there are many important roles.  Whether it be a personal physician, rehabilitation therapist or a even a loved one, the ultimate goal is to improve and/or maintain a better quality of life that they may not be able to achieve on their own.  From June 10th-June17th, one group, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), will be recognized for their efforts in caring for patients and residents.  It is National Nursing Assistants Week. 

Nursing assistants are an important part in the overall health and well being of patients and especially, residents of a senior health care community.  They attend to the daily needs of the residents, from helping them maintain personal hygiene to assisting doctors and nurses in diagnostics and treatments. Doctors usually don't have the time to attend to every resident or patient everyday, however, CNAs can monitor the daily progress or decline of residents who may be ill or injured, and report the condition to the appropriate doctor or nurse.

Though Countryside Care Centre will be recognizing all of their CNAs throughout the year, we would like to acknowledge a few of them in honor of National Nursing Assistants Week.

          Glenda Winter has been a CNA for 16 years, with the last 6 working at Countryside Care Centre.  She is currently the CNA Supervisor and says, "I love the position, because it allows me to work in the areas where I'm most needed."  Glenda was born and raised in Aurora and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and 3 children.  Her family is very important to her and it plays a huge part in why she is a CNA.  She says "I love working with the elderly, but mostly I like to make them laugh and smile everyday."  She goes on to say, that one of the reasons that she stays in this profession is because she is drawn to so many of the residents who have no families. "I don't want them to feel alone, so I come to work everyday with the hope that I make a difference in their life." The residents want to express their appreciation of Glenda and her sense of humor, as well her positive attitude. One residents says "When days seem glum, we can count on a good belly laugh from her." 

          
      Sarah Fowler has worked at Countryside since 1996, where she actually began her profession as a CNA.  She took her certification classes at Countryside Care Centre and liked it so much, she decided to work there. One of the benefits to her job is that her family made the decision to move Sarah's grandmother to Countryside, so she gets to see her everyday.  As far as her job, Sarah says "I am absolutely passionate about the elderly receiving good, quality care."  At the present, Sarah is enrolled in classes and intends to receive a degree in nursing within 3 years. The residents refer to her as the "go-to" person if they need something really important done.   


              Lucy Mility, originally from the Commonwealth of Dominica West Indies, has been in United Stated 9 years and has spent them all working at Countryside.  Lucy was a caregiver in the West Indies and chose to continue her career here, because she truly loves to care for people of all ages.  She feels it is her life's calling and says that "I find that at the end of the day, I feel complete.  My job is so rewarding. I just love what I do."   Lucy intends to continue her studies and become a nurse. The residents say of her, "If you ever need someone to just listen to you or a compassionate shoulder, Lucy is the best!"

Countryside Care Centre gives a big thanks to these and the other CNAs who continue to do a great job in caring for the residents everyday.