ParaMed Proud | Emma’s Story: A decade of compassion and commitment as a Health Care Aide and Client Services Coordinator
Through our ParaMed Proud series, we’re living life through the eyes of our team members – learning about their career journeys and the essential roles they play in delivering care for the thousands of people who rely on us every day.
For over ten years, Emma has dedicated her career to providing vital care and support that enables people to live safely and independently in their own homes.
“During my 13 years of being a part of this team, it’s become part of my life and I love it because at the end of my day, I know I have made a difference in someone’s life and made someone smile,” says Emma, Health Care Aide (HCA) and Client Services Coordinator for ParaMed Calgary in Alberta.
A compassion for helping others in need
Emma says that she has always wanted to help others.
This compassion and empathetic nature led her to a career in home health care.
Emma has a dual role at ParaMed, working as an HCA and Client Services Coordinator.
As an HCA, Emma visits patients in the community to provide direct care and personal assistance to them in their homes. On the Client Services Coordinator side, she’s responsible for coordinating client services, scheduling visits, and managing clients within the ParaMed community caregiver team.
“I enjoy going out to see patients and clients and helping them directly with their needs,” Emma says about her HCA role. “Every day is different, but always busy. I try to ensure that at the end of each day, I’ve put a smile on someone’s face.”
Emma says that she’s motivated by the daily challenges in her role – “being able to rise to each occasion and solve them.”
She offers encouragement to others who are looking to take their next steps towards a career as a home health care professional.
“ParaMed is a great company to join,” says Emma. “To be successful, you must be able to put your mind and heart into whatever position you are applying for.”
The role of Health Care Aides (HCA) and Client Services Coordinators in home health care
In the province of Alberta, HCAs provide direct care, personal assistance, and support to patients who are ill, older adults, or people with disabilities. They assist patients with activities such as personal care. They may help with eating or exercise and in some settings, help patients take their medications.
HCA positions in Alberta are equivalent roles to Personal Support Workers in Ontario and Client Services Coordinator in Nova Scotia.
Client Services Coordinators in Alberta, act as the primary point of contact for clients and community care team members. They match clients in need of care to appropriate team members. In other Canadian provinces, there are different titles for this role. In Ontario, the role is referred to as Scheduling Coordinator, and in Nova Scotia, it is Client Services Coordinator.