West Lake’s Elaine Goheen continuously goes the distance to help residents, staff, community

LEA receives home’s 2017 Inspired Leadership Award for leading by example

If there’s one thing life enrichment aide (LEA) Elaine Goheen is renowned for at West Lake Terrace it’s continuously demonstrating leadership by example, her colleagues say.

From her commitment to residents to supporting her co-workers in time of need to helping with community initiatives, Elaine is always helping others, say co-workers Karen Keeler, Christine Minnie and Janie Denard.

For her hard work and leadership qualities, the trio nominated Elaine for West Lake Terrace’s 2017 Inspired Leadership Award. Elaine received her award during an Aug. 17 ceremony at the Prince Edward County long-term care home.

A 15-year veteran at West Lake Terrace, Elaine will seek out those residents who do not have family and make their birthdays and holidays special, her co-workers say. She has also provided Christmas dinners for fellow co-workers who were experiencing financial difficulties.

Elaine will take a leading role in the life enrichment department when staffing has been a struggle, says Janie, the home’s life enrichment co-ordinator, adding the LEA also ensures new employees in all departments feel welcomed and empowered with words of encouragement and support.

Aside from supporting residents and staff members at West Lake Terrace, Elaine is also civic minded and supports community initiatives. For example, she has organized Toonie Thursdays at the home to raise funds for the local Humane Society. She also set up a donation jar to support a local family whose daughter is fighting cancer.

Elaine has also supported several families in the community with donations of gifts for their children at Christmas.

“Elaine does this not for the recognition but because she has a passion for people, demonstrating our mission in its rawest form,” Janie says.

“I believe that Elaine demonstrates the OMNI way of providing hope, purpose and belonging, not only for our residents, but in her everyday life. Elaine leads by example.”

OMNI Health Care’s Inspired Leadership Award is presented to staff members from each of the organization’s 18 long-term care homes. The accolade recognizes people who demonstrate OMNI’s mission, vision and values. Inspired Leaders also possess outstanding leadership skills and are committed to their work.

OMNI announced this year’s recipients of the Everyday Hero, Inspired Leadership and Elisabeth Hinton Memorial awards at the Quality Forum in Calabogie, Ont., in May.

Managers from OMNI’s long-term care homes were presented with the names of the award winners. Homes are presenting the awards during their own ceremonies.

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