Nurse's aide makes a big difference keeping residents happy, comfortable and feeling at home

Cindy Davis doesn't plan on going anywhere from Maplewood

July 27, 2010 -- Michelle Strutzenberger

Every day is busy with many tasks for nurse's aide Cindy Davis, but underneath it all is a big purpose — keeping residents happy, comfortable and feeling at home.

It's that purpose that's the best part of her job, says Davis, who has been working at Maplewood in Brighton for more than 11 years.

"(I like) just to please (the residents) and to try to make them happy and comfortable, to make them feel like they're still at home, to make them feel welcome, just all those things," she says.

A recent experience shows the difference she makes in residents' lives. A woman who had just moved into the home was obviously lonely and frightened. The withdrawn resident refused to eat or drink, but as Davis has reached out to her, she has begun to warm up.

The other morning as the aide was helping the resident prepare for the day she focused on encouraging her and helping her feel more at ease.

Although the resident doesn't hear well, she reads lips, so Davis spoke to her, telling her how she was there to help her.

Eventually there was a pleasant smile and at breakfast the resident ate all her food.

"That makes a big difference, to see that she's settling in," says Davis.

Residents who are aggressive and resist care are one of the biggest challenges to her day. Although there aren't many of this nature, they do require extra patience and often some creative thinking and trying different approaches.

Davis says she has found speaking quietly sometimes helps. Other times she ensures the resident is safe and gives him or her some space for a while and then returns to try to assist with personal care.

Looking to the future, the aide says her plans include staying where right where she is.

"I don't plan on going anywhere different than here," she says. "I enjoy what I'm doing and I'm just going to continue."

If you have feedback on this article please contact michelle(at)axiomnews.ca, or call the newsroom at 800-294-0051, ext. 27.

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