"No matter what precautions you take, especially in a hospital setting where people are sick with it, they could catch it. That's an immense amount of bravery and dedication to your calling."
Meet Val Hoveland, a Lakeland College alumna, who is sharing her experience during COVID-19.
Program: Class of 2019, health care aide
Job: Health care aide for Bea Fischer Centre in Lloydminster
Q: How did COVID-19 change the way you do your job?
A: Gloves are industry standard when providing personal care, but wearing a mask is
now a part of my uniform. I wear one from the moment I walk into my client's home
to when I leave. I also wear a mask if I must drive them anywhere. I have a list of
cleaning that needs to be done every day, and I must check my temperature before I
meet with clients and halfway through my shift. All the programming has stopped, so
clients stay in their homes. Things like grocery shopping have changed - groceries
are phoned in and then delivered. Before that, the clients used to accompany their
aide grocery shopping. This situation can be very isolating, so I keep them company
and help with entertainment. This pandemic has shown us how easily it can be to become
isolated.
Q: How does it feel to play such an essential part in our community's response to
the pandemic?
A: I've never thought about it. I do my job. I love my job and take it day by day.
My clients need me, and I am happy to help them.
Q: What would you like to say to those who work on the front line?
A: You are a wonderful, fantastic person. I am so grateful for all your hard work
and your bravery because it does take bravery. I have friends who are nurses and work
at hospitals. No matter what precautions you take, especially in a hospital setting
where people are sick with it, they could catch it. That's an immense amount of bravery
and dedication to your calling.
Learn about the experiences of other alumni: