Two middle-aged women smiling inside lobby of retirement home

Caressant Care's 2017 Heart of Gold Winner - Lisa Fernandes

(Lisa is pictured on the left above, beside Director of Nursing Kathryn Rusz)

Each year Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Homes selects one special employee as the winner of the Heart of Gold award. This honour is given to a staff member who truly goes above and beyond the call of duty and makes the lives of our residents just that much better.

Lisa Fernandes is a Personal Support Worker at Caressant Care Mary Bucke in St. Thomas and is, to say the least, a worthy recipient of the Heart of Gold. Lisa was nominated by Katherine Rusz who is the Home's Director of Care who explains just how far Lisa will go for her residents. "She has on numerous occasions volunteered on her days off to accompany residents on bus trips and outings. She can often be found visiting residents and even runs errands for them. Lisa is an invaluable member of our team and our residents benefit from her love and care."

One of the things that struck me most is her modesty. Lisa is quick to give credit to her coworkers at Mary Bucke, saying "I can't do the job by myself. I'm part of a great team and they all deserve this award. We are a small Home and we are like family. There is a lot of love here." She has been a valued member of our team at Mary Bucke for 6 years now after previously working for the Elgin Children's Aid Society. Lisa has 2 children of her own and decided to become a PSW after tragedy stuck. "We adopted 2 very high needs children with severe medical issues and they both passed away. I am a caregiver at heart. I knew I was supposed to be with my two children who passed and now I know I am supposed to be here at Mary Bucke," she says.

Thank you Lisa for all you do for the residents of Mary Bucke. You truly do possess a "Heart of Gold."

Lee Griffi
Manager if Corporate Communications
Caressant Care Nursing and Retirement Homes

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