Marilyn Renaud, PSW, started at Fieldstone Commons Care Community on the day it opened, in 2003. She takes great pride in every aspect of her role, including mentoring new PSWs and students. “Some residents even call me ‘Teacher,’” she says, “because I’m very disciplined with students.” She reflected that she has a great sense of responsibility when teaching younger team members to provide the best care for residents. While the tasks of her job can be taught, she shares that it takes a special person to be a PSW: “You have to have love and passion to care for seniors. They need our help and we have to put our best foot forward every day.”

Marilyn is quick to form bonds with residents, especially those who do not have family to visit them. Fieldstone Executive Director, Lorraine Gibson, shared, “Marilyn bought a cake and decorations for a resident who had no family. She spread out a ‘Happy Birthday’ banner so the resident would see it when she woke that morning… When the resident had lunch, Marilyn invited the Management team, her colleagues and everyone to the resident’s table to sing as we brought out the cake Marilyn bought just for her. Marilyn comes to work every day with one purpose – to make everyone’s day better.”

Marilyn shared that growing up in Trinidad, she lived in a multigenerational household with her grandparents, which helped instill a sense of respect and caring for seniors. “My favourite part of my job is getting to know residents, bonding with them. I look out for them as if they were my family, making sure they get everything they need.”

The Ontario Long Term Care Association recognized Marilyn with the PSW Leadership Award. She shared, “I feel honoured by the award, but really, I love my job. I just love it.”