Restorative-care aide a champion of enhancing residents' life quality

Little things making the biggest difference

August 31, 2012 -- Deron Hamel

When a Willows Estate resident’s family members recently came from Western Canada to visit, restorative-care aide Rosalie Patchell made sure a little table with the best china and freshly-cut peonies were waiting for them in the home’s backyard.

She also took time to fix the resident’s hair and make sure she was wearing her finest clothes during her family’s visit. Having china teacups and saucers was important to the resident because she had always used fine china when entertaining.

This is only one example of the many times Patchell has gone above and beyond for residents at the Aurora long-term care home. As far as Patchell is concerned, residents are her family and she treats them that way.

“I love to entertain, so I try to do as I would do at home,” says Patchell, adding that providing this type of extra care to residents makes a major difference.

“The residents feel so much more at home when they have familiar things like china cups and saucers. (The resident) said, ‘Oh, my goodness, it’s like I was at my garden at home.’ ”

For Patchell, working at the Willows is more than just a job; it’s a way of life. Even when she’s off duty she’s still thinking about the residents and the things she can do to enhance their quality of life. This often includes going shopping for them, something she enjoys doing.

Patchell’s commitment to residents doesn’t go unnoticed.

Life enrichment co-ordinator Teddy Mazzuca says Patchell’s many years working at the Willows has allowed her to build a strong rapport with residents and their family members.

“She really takes pride in caring for residents; she really goes out of her way,” says Mazzuca.

“Rosalie is truly a family member to the residents,” notes administrator Linda Burr.

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