October is about giving thanks, and someone we are thankful for is Lesley Duffy, our Resident Care Manager. She joined the Albany family 23 years ago this month, so we caught up with Lesley to ask her about her career.
Lesley Duffy, Resident Care Manager
1) When did you start working at Albany? I started working for Helen and Doug in October of 1995.
2) What inspired you to get into the healthcare field? I had done a co-op in high school as well as some volunteer work at the Petrolia hospital. I really enjoyed both those experiences and decided a career in healthcare would be a good fit.
3) What is it about Albany that led you to this 23-year career milestone? The Simpson family has always made me feel appreciated. Always taking an interest in my children and being very accommodating. They care about each individual resident and spend time getting to know them and their families. As well as the little things you don’t see every day, like how at any moment you could walk through Albany and one of them would be down on their knees scrubbing the base boards. They take such pride in the business, it’s hard not to be proud as well.
4) What changes have you seen over the years? The retirement home has seen many changes in my time working here. It’s gone from 3 separate homes into one home – Albany – which has expanded several times since I started. The small mom and pop style business is now a licensed retirement home employing over 25 staff members including a full-time RN and RPN. Also, the biggest change is that Helen and Doug’s children are now the driving force behind the business and they continue to ensure the residents are receiving the best quality care. Helen would be very proud of them.
5) What brings you the most joy in your job? It’s nice being able to help the residents. Knowing I can help them maintain their independence and live their best life day-to-day is a great feeling.
6) Any favourite moments at Albany so far? To pick one is very difficult – there has been so many defining moments and I have met so many residents and their families, but I would have to say my favourite was my grandmother coming to live at Albany. Being able to have her at Albany and getting to see her every day – I was very grateful. It was also comforting to know the level of love and care she was going to receive.
Thank you Lesley, for your hard work and dedication.
Congrats on 23 years!