Resident's family thrilled with care

Calls health-care aide a 'guardian angel'

August 22, 2012 -- Jeanne Pengelly

LONG SAULT, Ont. - When a Woodland Villa resident was recently experiencing agitation, caregivers at the Long Sault home wanted to discover the source of the agitation and, after asking him a series of questions, health-care aide Karen Brennan asked the gentleman if he was in pain.

The man's response could only be likened to a flower unfolding. With a big sigh, a heave of relief, he breathed a deep, “Yes!” One simple word that was the answer, Brennan says.

It was a matter of days, and the resident was reassessed for pain. With that realigned diagnosis and an awareness of his symptoms, the resident has been one of Brennan’s stars.

“He calls her his guardian angel,” the resident’s wife tells the OMNIway. “And she really is. She is just wonderful.”

Brennan drops to one knee next to the resident’s wheelchair, speaking gently in his good ear. A little smile forms on the resident’s mouth, and he says hello to her. He knows who it is, even though he can't see well, and has trouble hearing. His hands are draped over hers and he blows her three little kisses.

For Brennan, the moments are the gold stars she fills her life with, as a health-care aide at Woodland Villa. For the resident’s wife, the moments are also precious.

“To know that (my husband) gets the kind of care he gets here, is just so important to me. I know that Karen is always going to go the extra mile for (him). And not just for (my husband) — she does that with all (residents),” she says.

As for Brennan, she's humble, but knows the difference she's making in the 12 years she's been on staff.

“I always joke that if I didn't have kids, I'd live here,” she laughs.

If you have a story you would like to share with the OMNIway, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 30, or e-mail jeanne(at)axiomnews.ca.

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at 800-294-0051, or e-mail jeanne(at)axiomnews.ca.






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