Tracey Taylor has spent much of her life caring for others.

Speaking from Helen Henderson Care Centre where she has worked as a Personal Support Worker for the past five-years, the 50-year-old mother of three smiles when informed she has won a workplace award for her care and compassion.

Nominated and chosen by staff, Tracey is the home’s Staff Spotlight for February.

“I love working here,” says Tracey kindly. “I love the residents. I love the people I work with.”

Asked what she enjoys about the job, Tracey admits, “I couldn’t pick one thing. As hard as it is at times, there’s always something good that comes out of your day like a smile or a thanks from a resident. I just hope I give as much to them as they give to me.”

Before joining the long-term care home in Amherstview, Tracey spent 12 years caring for her mother.

“I was home doing that for a long time,” the Napanee woman explains.

Blessed with an attitude of gratitude, Tracey brims with wisdom and compassion. “My mother taught me to be thankful for what you have,” she explains. “I don’t have a reason NOT to smile. There’s a lot of people who have it a lot worse than me.”

Speaking on behalf of the home, Director of Care Sue Reynolds notes, “Tracey is a hard-working Personal Support Worker (PSW) who is always ready to help-out and pitch-in. Her quiet, calm, caring presence is greatly appreciated by the residents. Tracey is very flexible and willing to help wherever she is needed. She brightens our home with her smile.”

When Tracey isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her adult children.

Asked to describe herself, she uses words such as kind, considerate and compassionate. “I try to be a better person today than I was yesterday. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”

Questions for Tracey:

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

“I’d like to be able to cure diseases. My mother lived with MS for 30 years. Why wouldn’t you help people?”

If you could rule the world, what would you do on day one?

“I’d get my children together for a family meal.”

What would you do if you weren’t at your current job?

“If I wasn’t working as a PSW, I think I’d like to work with small children. I find the very young and the very old fascinating. If you think about it, the beginning and end of your life are important. The beginning shapes what’s in the middle. In the end, we get to reflect on what’s happened.”

Helen Henderson Care Centre is grateful for the good work of Tracey Taylor. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-384-4585.