On the first of May, Penny Cunningham will celebrate 33 years as a Personal Support Worker at Helen Henderson Care Centre; a remarkable achievement in the health care profession.

Speaking from the popular long-term care home in Amherstview in late April 2023, Penny says she started as a Nurse’s Aide and retrained as a Personal Support Worker in 1994. The 65-year-old Amherstview woman has spent her entire career at the home and doesn’t have any plans to retire.

“You have to be ready for it and I’m not there yet,” she explains when asked about retirement. “I’d miss the residents; I’ve learned about life from them.”

Looking back over her career, Penny sees a difference between the care provided when she started and now.

“We use lifts to help people now which we didn’t use back then,” she reflects, thoughtfully. “The care is heavier these days. Also, when the COVID-19 pandemic started in March 2020, we were extremely fortunate here because management had enough PPE for everyone, we didn’t have to go looking for it.”

Penny’s favourite part of the job is visiting residents and hearing their life stories.

“To see them smile when you’ve made them happy is the best reward,” she attests.

Speaking on behalf of the home that named Penny Employee of the Month for May, Director of Care Sue Reynolds notes, “Penny has seen many changes to long-term care over the years, but her care and compassion for the residents has never waivered. We are extremely happy to have Penny helping us through challenges such as COVID-19 when she could retire. We are grateful she stayed to provide continuity of care with a familiar face to our residents.”

When she’s not at work, Penny enjoys quilting and sewing. She is the proud mother of three and grandmother of six. She loves spending time with her family and hosting\participating in events. She is excited about the arrival of family from Nova Scotia this July.

“I like getting involved,” she says with a smile.

“I’m not a perfect person, by no means, but I hope I’ve made life better for some of the residents I’ve been in contact with over the years,” she says, thoughtfully. “I try to do my best.”