My role as a support service manager covering five sites means I really need to count on my Support Service Team to run the show when I am not on site. I am proud and confident in the team's ability to provide excellence in care to our residents. The team works together and supports each other on a daily basis to ensure quality and appealing meals are provided, rooms are cleaned just the way the resident wishes, and personal laundry is delivered and put away according to the resident's likes. All of this work appears seamless and easy as it is done with warmth, kindness and big smiles!

Christine, our laundry aide that takes resident clothing home to mend buttons or fix zippers if a resident does not have family that visits. Annika, our dietary aide who spent time trialling puree bread and dessert mixes to enhance the puree diet for our residents. Albert, our cook, creates special menus sharing his love and heritage through food. Paula, our housekeeping aide, goes back to a room 3-4 times a day to clean up messes to provide the dignity of the residents we serve. Mercy, our dietary aide, brings forward concerns for residents not eating well that she noticed picking up dishes after meals. All of these things may seem small - but collaboratively they are the definition of support! " To hold up, to serve as the foundation" - that is the support service team I am so proud to lead. The extra things they do regularly go unnoticed, so I hope this will bring the recognition they so deserve.

Thank you, Alana

Submitted by Alana Gallant