Family's choice to give back to Almonte Country Haven touches staff

Enhancements made to PSW station

September 25, 2012 -- Lisa Bailey

A family’s appreciation strikes a resonating chord at Almonte Country Haven. Their financial donation has not only refreshed a work space in the home but also reinforces for staff, particularly personal support workers (PSWs), that their work is meaningful.

“This is a wonderful testimonial for the care that we give to residents,” director of care Kim Trombley says, adding the home is fortunate and honoured to be chosen to receive this support.

“It’s important to staff to know that they are very much a vital part of this team, and this shows that they are appreciated by someone other than us - by families, by residents,” Trombley says.

“When you receive a gift like this, it is a team builder and a morale builder. It’s appreciated on many different levels.”

Jeanette Denis had only lived at Almonte Country Haven for a few years but struck staff with her zest for life. PSW Debbie Garraway describes Denis as a wonderful human being who had a great sense of humour and enjoyed living at the home.

“I know Jeanette really had a good connection with a lot of the staff, she loved it here. She conveyed that to her family, and her family wanted to give back to the home. That’s a great honour for us,” Trombley says.

The family’s wish that their donation benefit staff members was granted in consultation with the home, as it was decided to revamp a PSW station that had been created from available space.

With some fresh paint and a new countertop, mirror and pictures added to the table and chairs, the area becomes more conducive for PSWs to complete their care charting, and hold meetings and education sessions.

Trombley says it’s a quiet, comfortable and esthetically pleasing space that staff members “can go to and take pride in because it is revamped for them specifically.”

Almonte Country Haven plans to honour the family’s gift by placing a memorial plaque at the PSW station.

As a smaller and older home with its funding dollars carefully allocated, Trombley says Almonte Country Haven is grateful for all donations and fundraising efforts that help to enhance the environment for residents and staff members alike.

For families, a contribution can be a personal and permanent way to honour their loved one.

“It came from the heart,” Trombley says of the Denis family’s gift. “They could have taken that money and done a variety of things with it and they chose to put it back into the home where their mother lived. That’s touching and families must feel very comforted by that.”

If you have a story to share or feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 25, or e-mail lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.







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