A popular long-term care home in Amherestview is saying goodbye to a veteran staff member.

Iva House retired from Helen Henderson Care Centre in early September after 32 years as a Dietary Aide.

“Iva will be missed by the staff and by the residents,” says Julie Metcalfe, Food Service Nutrition Manager. “She was a loyal employee for many years and took pride in her job every day. She cared deeply for the residents and took great care in ensuring she did her best to make them happy.”

Iva may be best known for sharing her time. She often volunteered before and after her shifts to ensure residents had everything they needed. She also spent Christmas Eve at the beside of a resident in hospital. Iva was also known to be generous with her time with staff.

Married with children and grandchildren, Iva notes, “I loved my job as a Dietary Aide. It was the best reward to feed the residents and see them content and happy.”

As a Dietary Aide, Iva served food and prepared the dining rooms for meal service.

“This is the best home to work for,” she says about the family owned and operated home. “The owners are always doing something for staff, and it makes you feel appreciated. I have never regretted working here.”

Asked how she plans to fill her time; Iva says she hopes to return to the home to volunteer when the pandemic restrictions are lifted.

“Now that I’m retired, I’d like to do more shopping, travelling and spend more time with my family,” she says with a smile.

Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for 32 years of work by Iva House. To learn more about living or working in our home, please visit www.gibsonfamilyhealthcare.com