A young woman from Lansdowne who helps residents at a local long-term care home has celebrated her first work anniversary with a workplace award.

Speaking from Carveth Care Centre in mid-January 2024, Rachael Vanderscheer says she is grateful to be named the home’s Employee of the Month for February 2024 – one full year since she started the job. “It’s a surprise, for sure,” she says with a smile. “It feels good.”

Petite with long brown hair, Rachael talks about her job for the past year providing recreational therapy to 104 residents.

“I like it a lot.” Rachael says quickly. “It’s nice to give joy to the residents and give them something to do during the day. It’s uplifting.”

As a member of the home’s Recreation Department, Rachael keeps residents engaged, entertained and active. Her favourite part of the job is spending time with each resident individually and the small conversations she has with people on the sidelines.

“I think it’s more joyful,” she explains.

Rachael has had family reside at Carveth and feels a strong sense of nostalgia about the home. She is a graduate of the Fitness and Health Promotion program at Humber College and Kinesiology at the University of Guelph. She describes her current job as, “A good place for me to be right now.”

Asked to describe herself, Rachael admits, “I’m very shy until I’m comfortable with someone and then I can be loud and chatty. I believe that I am a kind and nice person.”

When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She also likes listening to music. While a student a student at Gananoque Secondary School, Rachael enjoyed sports such as soccer, volleyball, and competitive cheerleading.

Speaking on behalf of the home, Recreation Director Shannon Buell notes, “Rachael is kind and considerate. She takes time to listen to the residents, which helps her to really get to know them. She gets along with everyone; we appreciate her enthusiasm and positive attitude.”

Questions for Rachael

If you could rule the world, what would you do on day-one?

“I’d reduce the cost of living and address inflation.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“Time travel. I feel like it would be fun to relive my best memories.”

If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?

“I really enjoy what I’m doing now, and I can’t see myself doing anything else at this point in time.”

Carveth Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Rachael Vanderscheer in our Recreation Department. To learn more about living or working here, please call 613-382-4752.