Alicia Mclachlan, health care aide

Taking time to get to know her residents and what they like, Alicia Mclachlan, health care aide, created table signs for the dining room. One side of the sign has the table number which helps with serving. On the other side, Alicia writes down a recreation program of interest for each resident. There are many activities. This simple tool helps remind both residents and staff about their recreation options and can help get residents to activities of interest.

Alicia is a champion for the vulnerable. Her actions shine when working with residents who may have some cognitive impairment or may not be able to communicate for themselves. She ensures they get as much attention, enrichment and love as everyone else. She advocates for their care, activities, interventions and treatment.

She works to provide individualized care for residents. Some residents need extra attention when there are no recreation activities. These residents need more kindness. Alicia takes the initiative to find activities she can do with these residents. For example, she gets colouring going, sits down to work on a puzzle and gets a coffee group going for residents who need someone to talk to. Alicia treats everyone with respect and dignity.