Healthcare Assistant brings the joy of Christmas to her role
For New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Support) (Level 4) graduate Vicki Leggett, Christmas is a cherished time for both staff and residents in her workplace, as they share many special moments together.
“In the lead up to Christmas we put on a delicious luncheon for the residents I work with at our retirement village, consisting of a traditional roast ham and turkey meal with all the trimmings, plus pudding and custard for dessert.
“Our village also has the most beautiful decorations. It’s a joy to be amongst the magical fairy lights and the tables get adorned with linen and lots of festive baubles, as well as chocolate Santas and candy canes.”
Vicki Leggett with a client
This year, Vicki and her team have even more exciting festivities planned.
“Our Christmas markets will be a big highlight. We have lots of creative activity coordinators and residents who spend weeks making gorgeous handmade items to sell in the village lounge. There are avid knitters, painters, card makers, preservers and bakers, as well as people with links to potters and jewelers.”
Making sure her residents feel valued and included is particularly important to Vicki during the holiday season.
“Although a lot of our residents spend Christmas day with their families, our village has a policy where if anybody is known to be on their own, they are invited to share a special lunch with staff. Each year we have a few extra faces join us, and it has been great to get to know them, their stories, and to see new friendships form.
“We all become sentimental as we get older. Christmas is an emotional time for our residents as it invokes a lot of special memories – of childhoods lived and gone, and loved ones who have passed on and are forever missed. It reminds us all of the importance of family, and is the one day of the year when everyone comes together with just that one thought on their minds.”