Celebrating Continuing Care Month: Staff Spotlight - Week 4

Spotlighting Northwood’s Continuing Care Workers

October marks Continuing Care Month, an opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of those who provide care, comfort, and support each day. At Northwood, Continuing Care Workers play an essential role in ensuring the well-being of our residents and clients.

Throughout this month, we will highlight members of our team through a series of spotlights, sharing their experiences, interests, and reflections on what they value most about their work. These stories provide a window into the dedication and professionalism that define continuing care at Northwood.

Stacy Purdy

How long have you worked at Northwood? I have worked with Northwood for 12 years.

What is your current position? My current role is a Program Worker at the Sackville location, with opportunities to work at other Adult Day locations.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work? Some of my interests/ hobbies include playing baseball, going for hikes and spending quality time with my family and friends.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work each day? What I enjoy most about coming to work is getting to know all the clients and their family members. I enjoy seeing their joy, their talents, and listening to their

life stories while spending time at the Adult Day program. I also work with wonderful people who I can grow and learn so much from.

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Brittany Bennett

How long have you worked at Northwood? 9 years (April 2016).

What is your current position? CCA.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work? Spending time with family.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work each day? I think my favorite thing about coming to work everyday is getting to help people reach their goals and accomplish things they never would have thought about doing again. And all of the laughs we share.

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Pam Straughan

How long have you worked at Northwood? I've been with Northwood for 22 years.

What is your current position? I began my career as a CCA at our downtown Halifax location, working as a float before spending 5 years on the Online Centre, a dementia unit. From there, I moved to the Manor, where i worked on 3 and 4 Manor, and later in Residential Care on 5 and 6 Manor. Eventually, I joined the Sackville Adult Day Program as a worker, and over the past year, I've been proud to take on the role of Program Planner.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors, exploring Nova Scotia, and visiting its many beaches. I especially enjoy sea glass hunting and relaxing with some good TV.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work each day?

What I enjoy most about my work is bringing joy to our clients - seeing their smailes, making their days meaningful, and knowing I've made a positive difference in their lives.

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Elaine Blanchard

How long have you worked at Northwood? Over 26 years ago, I had the opportunity to start my career with Northwood.

What is your current position? I’ve had the pleasure of working in many different departments and take part in several committees. I am currently a Health Services Supervisor, who oversees the CCAs in our department by being supportive to my staff and helping ensure residents receive the very best care.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy watching my grandchildren grow, spending time with family and friends, travelling, and meeting new people. This truly brings me joy.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work each day? What I’ve loved most about my time here at Northwood is the people — the colleagues I’ve worked alongside and the staff I’ve welcomed into the organization.  I try to build connections with my staff and be positive within the organization and the people I work with every day. I am grateful for the journey I have had with Northwood and look forward to what the future may bring.

A sincerest thank you to all our Continuing Care Workers at Northwood! We appreciate everything you do!