Compassion, dedication and an unwavering commitment to residents have earned Rachel Wilson the title of Employee of the Month for June 2026 at Carveth Care Centre. A Registered Nurse at the home since January 2025, she has quickly become known for her passionate approach to nursing, her strong advocacy for residents and her ability to connect with everyone she meets. “I love nursing and caring for others,” attests the friendly young woman. “Although not every nursing intervention will heal certain health conditions given their trajectory, knowing I provided the best care possible and prioritized my patients’ needs is what is most important to me in striving for being a good nurse.” Colleagues describe Rachel as someone who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure residents receive the highest quality care possible. She says she never leaves a concern unresolved and is always searching for solutions to improve outcomes for residents and families alike. “If there is something I feel my patient is lacking as part of their care, I will not allow myself to complete my shift without a solution or resolution,” she explains. Rachel’s caring nature extends far beyond clinical care. Known for her warm personality and love of conversation, she enjoys spending time with residents, hearing stories about their lives and building meaningful relationships with families. “I’ve been told I have an ‘old soul,’” she says kindly. “I love sparking conversations with our residents and hearing their perspectives of life from a different time.” Her journey into nursing was deeply personal. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as a child, Rachel spent much of her early life interacting with healthcare professionals who inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. “Living with a chronic illness myself, I always wanted to give back to others from a perspective of understanding what it feels like to be the patient,” she said. “That knowledge helps guide the care I provide as a nurse.” Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling between visits with loved ones, walking her dog and staying active through weight training and exercise. Her long-term goals are rooted in making a difference in the lives of others. “If I can make one person smile in my day, I feel I’ve done a good job,” she explains. “It creates a healthy mindset for me and makes a difference not only for someone else, but also for myself.” Rachel also dreams of travelling the world and continuing to expand her health care knowledge, potentially pursuing advanced nursing education in the future. When asked what she would change if she could rule the world for a day, Rachel focused on addressing poverty, food insecurity and the housing crisis — issues she believes are closely tied to overall health and wellbeing. Carveth Care Centre congratulates Rachel Wilson on being named Employee of the Month and thanks her for the compassion, positivity and excellence she brings to residents, families and colleagues every day. To learn more about living or working in our retirement lodge or long-term care home, please call 613-382-4752.

After more than four decades of compassionate care, a familiar and trusted presence is preparing to say goodbye at Helen Henderson Care Centre. Laurie Snider, a Personal Support Worker (PSW), is retiring after 42 years of dedicated service, leaving behind a legacy defined not just by longevity, but by deep human connection. Laurie began her career on May 8, 1984, at a time when the home looked very different from what residents and staff know today. Over the years, she has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. “When I started, there was just one reception area. Now there are three,” she recalls. “The lodge had two wings, and now there are four connected by the lounge. Spaces have completely changed, what used to be the boardroom and chapel is now the servery on the long-term care side. Even the Garden View dining room was once the activity room, and hairdressers were located where the offices are today.” But while the building evolved, the heart of Laurie’s work remained constant. “What I loved most was taking care of the residents,” she says. “Sitting and talking with them about their lives, comforting them on hard days, and doing little things to make them smile—that’s what mattered.” Her career also reflects perseverance and personal growth. Nearly three decades into her work, she completed her PSW certification in 2013, a milestone she considers her greatest professional accomplishment. “I never imagined I’d be here for 42 years,” she admits. “But I owe that to my parents. I grew up in a family business—we were always busy. That work ethic, and a bit of stubbornness, kept me going.” Colleagues say her dedication has left an indelible mark on both residents and staff. Sue Reynolds, Director of Care, reflected on Laurie’s extraordinary career: “Laurie is truly an exceptional individual who gave so much of herself to our home. She began her career in the lodge and later transitioned to the long-term care side as a nurse’s aide. At a time when many are preparing for retirement, Laurie chose to return to school to further her education, earning her Personal Support Worker diploma with honours while continuing to work full-time. She has always put residents first and herself last. Now, it’s time for Laurie to focus on herself and enjoy life. It is an incredible achievement to have dedicated 42 years to one home, something we may never see again. Laurie, we wish you all the wonderful things in life, tenfold, for everything you have given. From the bottom of my heart, enjoy your retirement—and don’t forget the bubble wrap!” As she steps into retirement, Laurie is looking forward to a quieter, but still fulfilling, chapter. She plans to spend more time with her son and her sister’s family, and has already begun helping with lambing on the farm—something she long promised she would do. She also looks forward to enjoying simple pleasures like jigsaw puzzles and country walks. Still, leaving won’t be easy. “I will miss the residents for sure, and the staff I’ve become friends with. There have been so many good times. I have a lot of memories,” she says. “But I’ll be back to visit.” Laurie’s impact on the care centre community is undeniable. For 42 years, she has been a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of countless residents and families—a role that goes far beyond job description. She will be formally recognized for her years of service at a special presentation in the home’s Fireside Room at 2 pm on Friday, May 15. As one chapter closes, her legacy of kindness, dedication, and quiet strength will continue to be felt in the halls she helped shape for more than four decades. Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Laurie Snider. Although she will be missed, residents and staff wish her all the best in her retirement. To learn more about living or working at our home, please visit call 613-384-4585.