She Doesn't Just Care for Residents. She Helps Them Feel Like Themselves Again.

After 25 years as a healthcare aide in Lac du Bonnet, Brenda Lucier knows the smallest acts of kindness are often the ones people remember most.

Most people think being a healthcare aide is about helping residents get dressed, assisting with meals or making beds. Brenda Lucier sees it differently. For her, the job has always been about people. 

"It's very rewarding, just knowing you can put a smile on someone's face," she says.

That simple philosophy has guided Brenda through 25 years at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home, where she's built lasting relationships with residents, families and co-workers [JP1] alike. It's also why she still loves coming to work every day.

Caring for People, Not Just Patients 

Growing up in Lac du Bonnet has given Brenda something many healthcare workers don't have: a lifetime of connections to the people she cares for. Some of the residents she now cares for are people she's known for decades. Others are familiar faces from around town. Even when someone is new to the community, Brenda has a way of making them feel like they've known each other for years.

"I always say it's like living in a small town," she laughs. "You don't really start on the first date [when you meet somebody new] because you already know their mom or cousin."

That sense of community doesn't stop when someone moves into long-term care. In fact, Brenda believes it's one of the things that makes working in Lac du Bonnet so rewarding. "When I'm walking down the hallway and someone calls out, 'Brenda!' or says, 'Oh, it's you, Brenda,' that makes me feel very special."

For many residents, Brenda is more than a healthcare aide. She's a familiar face. A trusted friend. And someone who knows their stories.

It's the Little Things That Matter 

Ask Brenda what makes a great healthcare aide, and she won't mention lifting techniques or documentation. Instead, she'll tell you about brushing someone's hair, helping someone choose an outfit they love, or taking a few extra minutes to shave an elderly woman's whiskers because she knows it will help her feel more confident when family visits.

"I enjoy making somebody look a little special," Brenda says.

It might seem like a small thing. But after decades in long-term care, Brenda knows those moments matter.

Residents don't stop caring about their appearance because they've moved into a personal care home. They don't stop wanting to feel confident, respected or cared for. Helping someone feel like themselves again can be every bit as important as helping them with their daily routines.

Meeting People Where They Are 

Working in long-term care also means supporting residents living with dementia. It's a role that requires patience, empathy and a willingness to see the world through someone else's eyes.

If a resident believes they're celebrating their 65th birthday, even if they're actually 98, Brenda celebrates with them.

If someone is worried about the family dog they haven't seen in years, she doesn't argue. She reassures them. "They just want to be validated," she says.

Rather than correcting residents, Brenda focuses on helping them feel safe. It's an approach that doesn't just improve someone's day; it protects their dignity. 

More Than a Career

After 25 years, Brenda still speaks about her work with genuine enthusiasm.

She talks about birthday celebrations held in the atrium, helping residents with recreation activities, sharing laughs with co-workers and getting to know families. She also appreciates the commitment and care provided by others on her team. "When I leave work," she says, "I know our residents are being taken care of."

That peace of mind, combined with meaningful relationships and the opportunity to make a difference every single day, is what has kept her in the profession for more than two decades.

Could Healthcare Be the Right Fit for You?

Brenda says "it takes a certain person" to work in healthcare.

If you're compassionate, enjoy helping others and want a career where your work has a real impact on people's lives, becoming a healthcare aide can be incredibly rewarding 

Every shift is an opportunity to make someone smile. To help someone feel comfortable. Or to remind someone they still matter.

Sound like something that you want to be part of? With great wages, terrific benefits, and life in some of the most beautiful communities in Manitoba, a career with IERHA is waiting for you!