KARINA HEADLEY
Victoria,BC
Summary
With 8 years of experience as a Health Care Aide and a decade in the healthcare field, including administration, my career has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. I take pride in my ability to connect with residents who face unique challenges such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and various physical and mental health issues, along with those dealing with chronic and terminal illnesses. Support work is where I truly thrive, but I'm always excited to embrace new challenges and learn more along the way. My passion lies in serving marginalized populations and working with culturally diverse groups, as I firmly believe that every individual deserves compassionate care tailored to their needs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Care Aide
Island Health
07.2023 - Current
- Delivered compassionate support to individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and in palliative care, ensuring their dignity and well-being
- Assisted with personalized hygiene care and medication administration, promoting comfort and health
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks, engaging clients in enjoyable food experiences
- Facilitated meaningful activities to enhance the quality of life for residents
- Oriented and trained new support workers and staff members to maintain high standards of care and support
Health Care Aide
Island View Place Care
01.2021 - 03.2023
- Provided compassionate care to individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and in palliative care, tailoring support to their unique needs
- Assisted with personal hygiene, medication administration, and ostomy bag maintenance, ensuring dignity and comfort for each individual
- Prepared post-mortem bodies with care and respect, supporting families during emotionally challenging times
- Oriented and mentored new support workers and staff members, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment
- Actively monitored clients’ physical and emotional well-being, promptly addressing concerns to improve their quality of life
Health Care Aide
VHA Home Healthcare
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Provided compassionate and personalized care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and those in palliative care, ensuring their comfort and dignity through meticulous attention to hygiene, meal preparation, laundry, medication administration, and assisted feeding
- Fostered a supportive environment that empowered clients to achieve their highest level of independence by organizing and facilitating community-based activities, promoting social engagement and connection
- Developed strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families, actively listening to their needs and preferences to tailor care plans that enhance their quality of life
Health Care Aide
VON Canada Health Starts at Home
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Helped residents with daily tasks such as sponge baths, getting dressed, bed and toilet transfers, and cleaning catheters and ostomy bags, improving their hygiene and comfort
- Built meaningful connections while supporting residents at Charlotte Villa Retirement Home in Brantford and Heritage House Retirement Home in Mississauga, contributing to a warm and caring community
- Assisted with using mechanical lifts, taking medications, putting on compression stockings, preparing meals, and light housekeeping to ensure residents felt supported and cared for in their day-to-day lives
Health Care Aide
Eldercare Home Health
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Delivered personalized home visits, assisting with hygiene care, meal preparation, laundry, and monitoring patients’ health following medication administration under a nurse’s guidance
- Collaborated closely with nurse practitioners in a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs
- Accompanied clients to appointments and activities within the retirement facility and hospital, ensuring they felt supported and cared for throughout their day
PSW Practicum Student & Volunteer
L’chaim Retirement Homes
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Assisted elderly residents with daily activities such as bathing, feeding, and maintaining personal hygiene, helping them feel comfortable and cared for
- Offered emotional support and facilitated recreational activities to foster connection and reduce feelings of social isolation
Education
The Montessori Approach for the Elderly
Peak Healthcare College
Integrated Accessibility Standards
VHA Home Healthcare
Personal Support Worker Certificate
ABM College
Dementia & Palliative Care for PSWs
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Behavioural Support Ontario Training
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Dementia & U-First Education Program
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
AODA Accessibility Standards
St Christopher House
Microsoft Office Training
Times Change Women’s Employment Service
Medical Practice Management Certificate
Medi-Clinic
Skills
- Compassionate
- Reliable team player
- Patient care
- Patient relationship building
Certification
- CPR/AED Level C Certification, Canadian Red Cross,2021-01-01
- Integrated Accessibility Standards, VHA Home Healthcare,2015-01-01
- The Montessori Approach for the Elderly, Peak Healthcare College,2015-01-01
- Personal Support Worker Certificate, ABM College,2014-01-01
- Dementia & Palliative Care for PSWs, Alzheimer Society of Toronto,2014-01-01
- Behavioural Support Ontario Training, Alzheimer Society of Toronto,2014-01-01
- Dementia & U-First Education Program, Alzheimer Society of Toronto,2014-01-01
- AODA Accessibility Standards, St Christopher House,2013-01-01
- Microsoft Office Training, Times Change Women’s Employment Service,2012-01-01
- Medical Practice Management Certificate, Medi-Clinic,2010-01-01
Languages
English - Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Awards
Client Choice Award, VHA Home Healthcare,2016-01-01, Client Choice Award, VHA Home Healthcare,2015-01-01
Timeline
Health Care Aide
Island Health
07.2023 - Current
Health Care Aide
Island View Place Care
01.2021 - 03.2023
Health Care Aide
VON Canada Health Starts at Home
01.2016 - 01.2019
Health Care Aide
VHA Home Healthcare
01.2014 - 01.2021
Health Care Aide
Eldercare Home Health
01.2014 - 12.2014
PSW Practicum Student & Volunteer
L’chaim Retirement Homes
01.2014 - 12.2014
The Montessori Approach for the Elderly
Peak Healthcare College
Integrated Accessibility Standards
VHA Home Healthcare
Personal Support Worker Certificate
ABM College
Dementia & Palliative Care for PSWs
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Behavioural Support Ontario Training
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
Dementia & U-First Education Program
Alzheimer Society of Toronto
AODA Accessibility Standards
St Christopher House
Microsoft Office Training
Times Change Women’s Employment Service
Medical Practice Management Certificate
Medi-Clinic
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