Building a New Career Path

I am 60 years young, born and raised in Winnipeg. Over the years, I’ve worn many career hats, living in various places across Canada and overseas. When I reached my mid-50s and left the hotel industry, I felt a deep desire to give back and contribute to society’s well-being. With an aging population in mind, home care seemed to be a perfect fit. However, I could only apply for a Home Support Worker position due to my lack of training.

Fortunately, joining the WRHA team was a game-changer. With their Uncertified Home Care Attendant paid training program, I was able to fulfill my dream of giving back. The program provided incredible opportunities, including fair starting wages, full pay during training, guidance from professional nurses and occupational therapists, and a guaranteed job in the community with potential for advancement.

Being trained by the nurses was the icing on the cake. They were tough taskmasters, but their unlimited patience and encouragement helped us perform tasks with 200% confidence. Now, I have a deeper understanding and improved skills to do an outstanding job, benefiting not only me but also my clients and the organization.

The training program also improved my quality of life, as I’ve implemented safe practices at home and learned proper wound care and kitchen sanitization. The occupational therapists’ tips on using proper body mechanics have been invaluable as well, making this job achievable and not strenuous, even at 60 years old.

Having a Resource Coordinator with 30 years of experience with the WRHA has been a blessing. Her direction and knowledge are priceless tools I gladly carry in my tool belt.

The best part of this job is connecting with and helping my community face their challenges with respect and dignity in the comfort of their homes.

I wholeheartedly recommend this job to everyone, regardless of age, as long as you’re physically fit. I am forever grateful to WRHA for providing me with this incredible opportunity.

— Elizabeth Vokey, UHCA Training Program Graduate

Finding Fulfillment in Home Care

In May 2023, I joined WRHA Home Care after completing the UHCA training program at Deer Lodge Centre. Before that, I worked as an Uncertified Health Care Aide with Shared Health. The dynamic nature of home care and the freedom to drive around reminded me of my previous role as a medical representative in Nigeria, which inspired me to apply for the UHCA training program.

The training experience was exciting, with ongoing assessments keeping me on my toes. The instructors were patient and supportive, creating a comfortable environment while emphasizing firm expectations for graduation. The practical sessions were particularly interesting, especially when our instructors portrayed clients; the dramatization and humour added a light-hearted touch. What impressed me the most was the program’s comprehensiveness, with an excellent practice manual and dedicated instructors making the experience truly memorable. The training program, including in-class sessions, additional insights from my Resource Coordinator, and the ability to shadow senior colleagues, boosted my confidence and fully prepared me for success.

Interestingly, the skills I gained from the program proved applicable not only at work but also at home. As someone who previously didn’t know how to cook, I can now prepare meals for my wife and kids, bringing happiness to my family and making me feel more fulfilled as a husband and father.

The most rewarding aspect of working in home care is seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces. Their gratitude, sometimes only expressed through a tight handhold and a whisper of thank you, fills me with profound joy, knowing I’m making a positive difference in their lives.

If you have some experience and are seeking a great career opportunity, this program will prepare you with all the necessary skills for the tasks ahead.

I extend my thanks to the WRHA for providing such a fulfilling journey into the world of home care. If you’re seeking a rewarding career with the potential to make a significant impact on others’ lives, I encourage you to join the UHCA training program.

— Adejuwon (Juwon) Otelaja, UHCA Training Program Graduate