GORE BAY—Suzanne Derry, a personal support worker (PSW) at the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home in Gore Bay, has been nominated for a Roberta Jarlette Making a Difference Award through Jarlette Health Services.
“Suzanne is committed to her residents and provides care with compassion and her gentle touch,” stated Susan Farren, administrator and director of care for the Manitoulin Lodge. “She is passionate about her work and is a great team player. Suzanne is very respectful to her colleagues, residents and families in all interactions. She always strives to do the right thing for the residents. She will go out of her way to ensure the residents’ needs are met.”
“Suzanne has been here for a number of years; she is a wonderful person,” said Gloria Hall, activities coordinator at Manitoulin Lodge.
The Roberta Jarlette Making a Difference Award is in place to recognize front line staff who are ideal representatives of employees serving in senior living communities and exemplify the organization values and purpose. Those values and purpose being: “proactively accountable and responsible; and we strive to do the right thing. The core purpose is to make an outstanding difference in the lives of others.”
“Yes, I was really surprised when I was told I had been nominated for this award,” Ms. Derry told the Recorder.
“I really enjoy my job and seeing the residents every day,” said Ms. Derry.
Ms. Farren, who wrote the form to nominate Ms. Derry for the award, provided an example of how Ms. Derry is a champion for the quality of life for the residents. “Suzanne engages conversations with the residents and encourages them to participate in activities. She goes above and beyond to ensure the residents priority needs are taken care of.”
“She is professional at all times and presents herself well in all her interactions with colleagues, residents and family,” wrote Ms. Farren. “She is an exemplary staff member who will bring forward problems and will always come with possible solutions. She is continuously looking at how we can improve the quality of life for the residents. Suzanne goes around to each of her residents assigned and says ‘hello’ and introduces her as their PSW at the beginning of each shift.”
Ms. Farren noted that Ms. Derry, “has developed a special relationship with one of our more challenging residents due to this person’s medical condition and requires extensive assistance. Her interactions with this resident are priceless. This resident responds so positively to Suzanne and misses her on her days off. This resident is responsive and engages in communication and one can hear the laughter down the hall.”
Ms. Derry, “has been working at Manitoulin Lodge for the past 18 years,” wrote Ms. Farren. “Suzanne is such a team player that after her work is done she will go and will assist other residents to get ready for bed. Suzanne works evenings which can be challenging with increased behaviours with dementia residents. She has a calming smile that makes the world smile with her.”
Ms. Farren pointed out as well, “Suzanne has perfect attendance. She has been a star employee since she was hired. She is a positive, humble, caring individual who will give her all for the residents and her colleagues.”
