“Being a care aide in long-term care means we’re on the front line. We see everything that goes on with our residents, and we’re relied on because we know what they need physically and emotionally. We are the first line for medical communication.
But it also means that our workloads are heavy and burnout is high. COVID isolation protocols have added an extra challenge to our work – especially on my floor where people come to heal after an operation or for interim care. Some new residents take a while to adjust.
It can be a whirlwind, but ultimately we’re here to care for people – we’re here for residents. We have to be positive to help them feel better.
So we try to lift people’s spirits. I love my job – 100%. But there have been days when it’s been difficult because I feel for the residents, and I see them struggling with being isolated in a new, unfamiliar place.
What’s helped during this difficult time is the team I work with. When we’re all playing our parts and communicating, we’re able to stick together while we work together, and I can feel the difference it makes – it helps take the pressure off.
That’s why I try to make sure that the new care aides know I have their back. They’re starting their careers in the middle of the pandemic, so I think it’s extra important to make sure they feel comfortable communicating what they need. I always tell them, call me, I’m here, I’ll support you and help get through. It’s part of being a team, and it helps keep things positive, which makes the job easier.”
Monica, Care Aide, part of the health care team