Lisa Bysterveld named 2024 BC Care Provider of the Year

Nursing has always been more than just a profession for Lisa Bysterveld. For nearly 20 years, she’s been a Licensed Practical Nurse and Team Lead in Assisted Living at Elim Village, and this year, her dedication was recognized on a provincial level. Lisa has been named the 2024 BC Care Provider of the Year | Assisted Living by the BC Care Providers Association.

“Nursing is something I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was a young child,” Lisa says. “Seeing my mom’s passion in nursing helped me to see where I wanted to be in my life. But nursing for me is more than just a profession. It’s being able to live out my faith and serve others with compassion and care.”

Lisa’s passion lies not just in caregiving, but in the relationships she’s formed over the years — relationships grounded in dignity, respect, and deep human connection.

“I worked with seniors and I saw a lot that they had to offer. They have so much life experience, so much you can hear from them that you can learn from. And just their wisdom and their playful wit, their jokes, their life stories, and what they’ve overcome over the years as well.”

Lisa has also seen how the approach to aging and care has evolved — and how Elim Village is helping to lead that change.

“Over the 20 years, I feel the attitude for aging has also changed over the years, where we’re focusing not just on the residents declining, but focusing on them as a whole, being able to focus more on an active and productive phase in their life, maintaining quality of life through wellness and mental health. And I feel Elim embodies all of that.”

And while Lisa provides leadership to her team, she remains deeply connected to the day-to-day experiences of residents.

“With nursing, you just don’t want to look at the physical aspects of nursing either. You want to be able to be with a resident, be human, be present at times. There’s residents we see more than our own families. You come to know them and they have a special place in your heart.”

That connection is what fuels Lisa’s work and makes the recognition all the more meaningful.

“I would say the most rewarding aspect of nursing is being able to make a positive impact on the life of a resident, but also learning from their wisdom and developing those meaningful relationships along the way — but also witnessing seniors overcome the impossible. Their resilience, determination, their unwavering faith is truly inspiring.”

“I feel truly honoured and humbled to receive the award, the Care Provider of the Year. It’s incredibly validating to know that I’ve made a difference in the lives of others.”

Looking ahead, her heart remains right where it’s always been — with those she serves.

“In 20 years from now, I still see myself as a nurse. I want to help people. I want to make a difference in people’s lives. So I just take it one day at a time and see where I’ll be.”

Congratulations, Lisa, on this well deserved recognition.