Caring for parents leads to decision to become a Resident Care Worker

by Stacy Dunn

For Don Cantelo of Summerside, his parents’ influence led him to a new career as a Resident Care Worker.

His father Lloyd served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years and the family moved around to different bases in Canada and Europe. CFB Summerside was where Lloyd retired, and then he worked at Cavendish Farms for 10 years with his wife, Helen. They both retired at the same time and became prominent volunteers in Summerside, and in 2003 were named Citizens of the Year by the city.

“They gave their time to numerous organizations,” says Don. “Dad did Meals on Wheels, and they both canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and did the Christmas kettles for the Salvation Army. What they did is a big factor in what I am doing today as I volunteer in the community. I do Meals on Wheels now, too.”

In 2015, Lloyd was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease dementia and moved into long-term care. Helen remained at home, and Don drove his mother to doctor’s appointments, to get groceries, and to visit with his father. Her own health issues with COPD and diabetes led to her hospitalization. Helen died 2017. Lloyd died at Somerset Manor in early 2019.

“Before my mom passed, I was at the manor three or four days a week. I visited my dad seven days a week after that,” says Don, who was Lloyd and Helen’s only child. “While visiting him, someone said I would make a great Resident Care Worker. I brushed it off saying I was too old and I don’t have the time. I was just there for my father.”

In late 2019, Don was laid off from his job as a welder. He went to Career Development Services of PEI to discuss his next career move.

“They suggested I sign up to participate in Career Bridges, a 12-week program to work on my resumé and plan a new career. When the pandemic happened, I heard there was a huge need for healthcare workers.”

Don found out the Government of PEI was offering to cover 70 percent of a student’s costs in a Resident Care Worker or Licensed Practical Nursing course through its Healthcare Priorities program.

“I spent four years visiting my father at the manor and saw what healthcare professionals do, so I wanted to explore that further by taking a Resident Care Worker program. Also, I like to socialize with people, so I thought it would be a good fit.”

After doing a work placement at Andrews Lodge which was arranged by Career Bridges, he enrolled at Marguerite Connolly Training and Consulting.

Learning challenges and rewards

The program provided Don with a Chromebook laptop of his own, but he was nervous about using computers and worried about the course load ahead.

“There were nine of us in the class. The first semester focused on hands-on learning like patient transferring and hygiene. I did well on that part because I am a hands-on learner,” he says. “It was a bit of a struggle with tests and computer use, but my instructor Sharon Hutcheson and my classmates repeatedly told me to take it one day at a time.

“A classmate helped me with notetaking and Sharon reminded me that it was quite an accomplishment to go from being a tradesperson to a healthcare worker, and to return to school after 40 years.

“She and I would stay after class, and she helped me learn the medical terminology and prepare for tests and exams. The second semester was more challenging because we were learning about diseases, diagnoses, and their treatments.

“I passed the final exam in November. It took the full three hours to write it, and I was the last one to finish. I was ecstatic.”

Looking to the future

Don says he and his classmates all successfully graduated in January. “Sharon says she is confident we will find gainful employment after graduation.”

He enjoyed his preceptorship at the Prince County Hospital’s Mental Health Unit and sees himself working in mental health and addictions.

“Here I thought at nearing age 60, I was too old to become an RCW. But now I see this is a way for me to give back to the healthcare team and the people who were so helpful to my father and mother. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do it.”

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“During my work placement at Somerset Manor, I had an assignment to write about how I would want to be treated if I was staying at the manor,” Don says. “I wrote a heartfelt poem. The manor liked the poem so much, they printed copies and posted it around the manor for inspiration and are planning to include it in its training manual for new recruits.”

Remember, you may take my place one day

by Don Cantelo, 2021

At mealtime, as you get me ready, please check to see my hearing aids are in, my glasses are clean, my hair is combed, my shirt and pants are clean. Smile at me and gently touch my hand that it’s time for lunch. Ask me how I am feeling, tell me I look great, ready to present myself.
Remember, you may take my place one day.

When it’s time to bath me, make sure the water is the right temperature and have warm towels close by. Be gentle with me for my shin is old and dry. I am naked and feel exposed. Show me respect and call me by name.
Remember, you may take my place one day.

Spending the night is not like home, smelling the wood burning and listening to the cat purr at the end of the bed. Keep me warm with blankets and check on me to see that I am safe. Make sure my pillow is under my head. Say goodnight to me and tell me to dream of days gone by.
Remember, you may take my place one day.

As time goes by, as the days go on, the senses God gave me are going dim. My eyes no longer see, my hearing faint, the birds no longer sing. Mom’s home cooked meals I cannot smell, the tastes of strawberries are no more. The touch of a loved one is but a memory.
Remember, you may take my place one day.

As I ponder the thought of maybe or should come to pass that I find myself in a LTC, my prayer and hope is I will have a wonderful caregiver who will keep me safe, care for me with dignity and respect. Love me as you would love your own mom and dad, hold my hand when I am sad. Listen to me when I am talking, hug me when I need a hug. Dress and feed me without rushing, sing me a song of hope and joy. Tell me stories and kiss me goodnight. This is the caregiver I would like to be.
Remember, you may take my place one day.

In memory of my mom and dad, Lloyd and Helen Cantelo.