Staff Spotlight
Maria Lugs, Health Care Assistant
Today, we are pleased to highlight Maria Lugs and her role as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Minoru Residence in Richmond with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).
“My role is to deliver quality care and guarantee that our most vulnerable residents are well taken care of in a home-like setting,” she says. During her average work day of 7.5 hours, Maria is responsible for up to seven residents. “I take great pride in ensuring that all activities of daily living are met every shift. Sometimes the work can be very busy but I always manage to find time to sit with residents and do special activities such as manicures.”
Maria tells us that she enjoys every aspect of her job, but some of the things that bring her the most joy are getting residents up in the morning, helping them get dressed, fixing their appearance in ways they would have done themselves if they were capable and maintaining their dignity and integrity.
“I enjoy promoting residents’ independence,” she says. “They rely on us so much and it warms my heart to encourage and allow residents to do what they can on their own. I also really love giving them manicures. The look on their faces to see freshly manicured/painted nails is priceless.”
Maria started her career as an HCA 20 years ago because she had a very soft spot in her heart for seniors. “I decided a career in geriatrics would be the most fulfilling for me. It is a career choice I have never regretted.”
Inspirational moments for Maria take place when she gets the time to sit down with residents and hear their life stories. “It is so moving to hear what our seniors have been through and accomplished in their lives,” she says. “It also helps me to provide them with the best care possible because I get to know them on a personal level.”
A supportive environment is important for everyone and Maria says she feels comfortable bringing concerns and suggestions forward at VCH. “About 4-5 years ago, one hour was taken away from care aide work to assist with serving meals. I brought my concerns forward to VCH on the impact this had on our residents and they not only heard what I had to say but they also reinstated 30 minutes back to direct care so we could provide better quality care to our residents.”
Maria explains how she incorporates the VCH values into her role as an HCA very easily as they align perfectly with her personal values. “I care for every one of my residents, I am always learning and I always strive for better results and to be better than yesterday.”
Fun fact: She is often sought out by colleagues and friends to plan group parties and events and is often praised for her decorating techniques and eye for detail. The greatest joy of her life is her only child – a daughter named Halley!
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