ELIM Staff Nominated for BC Care Awards

The BC Care Awards acknowledge care providers who go above and beyond in British Columbia’s Seniors Living and Wellness industry. According to the BC Care Providers Association website, the BC Care Provider of the Year Awards are awarded to those who have demonstrated a commitment to quality, compassion, and excellence in delivering—or supporting the delivery of—care to residents or clients.

We are excited to share about two employees from Elim Village Fleetwood who were nominated for the 2023 Award season: Suzanne Tempel and Elizabeth (Betty) Lussier.

Suzanne Tempel

At the time of her nomination, Suzanne Tempel was Volunteer Coordinator at Elim Village Fleetwood, but has since been promoted to Volunteer Resources & Life Enrichment Manager. She was nominated for the Assisted Living category of the BC Care Provider of the Year Awards.

During 2022, Suzanne oversaw 138 active volunteers, with the youngest being in high school and the oldest being 90 years of age! In the last six years, 22,576 volunteer hours have been logged as a result of Suzanne’s hard work. Volunteers provide additional support for residents above and beyond that provided by staff and family members. They provide and support many interactive, creative, and socially beneficial programs, such as pet therapy.

Suzanne is an inspiration to her volunteers, with her energy and love for her work easily transmitting to them, enriching their volunteer experience and engaging them with their important work—connecting and supporting ELIM residents.

An Assisted Living resident from Elim Village Fleetwood shares, “Volunteer visits are the highlight of my week. The special connection that is formed makes the day brighter and full of sunshine.”

During the early part of the pandemic (2020 and into 2021), Suzanne pivoted to offset the social isolation experienced by residents due to the limitations on visitation that were in effect, which were especially felt in Assisted Living and Full Care. She initiated engaging outdoor activities, such as Wednesday Walk-Around Parades, patio singing, and car washes, which were deeply appreciated Betty has been a Registered Care Aide (RCA) since 1980 and was nominated in the Full Care category of the BC Care Provider of the Year Awards. She was nominated for her passion in helping residents at our Elim Village Fleetwood campus. Betty loves to help residents in whatever way possible, even in the little things.

Betty Lussier

Betty’s job as an RCA is her life’s mission: An unwavering commitment to better the lives of people under her care. She excellently provides the day-to-day care needed to address the physical needs of residents, but there’s something more that stands out about her; Betty has a unique ability to attend to the psychosocial needs of residents too, thereby boosting their morale and independence. Under Betty’s care, residents are empowered to live their remaining years as meaningfully as in their younger days.

“I seem to be lost for words to describe Betty. She is one in a million. She is caring, gentle, and does everything you may possibly need. Betty is funny, goes above and beyond the scope of her job, and these laudable traits just go on, and on, and on,” shares Full Care resident, Ann, at Elim Village Fleetwood.

Over the 40 years that Betty has served as an RCA, she has excelled in her role, and remains tireless and steadfast in her commitment. Her advice to new RCAs is “Love your work, and take care of residents as if they are family, because they really are.”

We are grateful for our caring professionals, Suzanne and Betty, and for their dedication to making a daily difference in the lives of ELIM residents, staff, family members, and volunteers.