by Jane Adams
Lorilea Erratt has had many careers in her life, from a pharmacy clerk to the owner of a costume shop. Over the past few months, she has tried something different – as a COVID-19 screener at Dundas Manor. Lorilea is one of four screeners who greet each person who comes to the home, asking a series of screening questions to help keep everyone safe.
“I love the morning shifts, greeting everyone and I love the evening shifts where I can say good night and thank you,” explains Lorilea. “Dundas Manor is a happy place and there are strong bonds between the staff and residents. I love to visit and listen to stories from our residents who find their way to our window to chat.”
Fellow screener David Fawcett has been a dairy farmer for 40 years and says he was looking for a part-time job close to home that involved interaction with others. The screening role was a perfect fit. “My favourite part of the job is the people I work with. Everyone is so friendly.”
Marg Stephenson agrees. She is a former nurse and says she loves being in a health care setting helping others. “It is marvelous working at a home that is so proactive and protective of their residents. I’m proud to work at Dundas Manor.”
Recently retired teacher Heather Churchill says she had planned to do some volunteer work when the pandemic arrived, but decided to find other ways to help her community fight COVID-19. “This job has evolved over the past two years and with that comes a big learning curve. Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding with all the changes we have incurred as we have tried to navigate COVID-19. I love all the people I meet and the opportunity to interact with residents, their families and friends, and the amazing, hard-working and dedicated staff.”
Administrator Susan Poirier says the screeners have been amazing: “Throughout the pandemic, our local communities have supported Dundas Manor staff and residents in so many ways – and we are very grateful. Our small but mighty team of screeners at the front door is a great example. They are here every day, and they play such an important role in keeping COVID-19 out of our home.”
This team will continue with their screening role for the foreseeable future. Please be sure to say hello and to thank them for their important role.
“A big thank you to Dundas Manor for allowing me to be part of such a wonderful team,” sums up Lorilea. “It is a wonderful chapter in my book of life.”
