CCA Week 2025: Celebrating the Heart of Continuing Care

Every October, Nova Scotia honours the dedicated people who make continuing care possible. This year’s theme, “Standing Alongside Nova Scotians, with Compassion, Comfort & Care,” serves as a reminder to celebrate the significant impact of Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) across the province. 

To mark the occasion, we are sharing reflections from CCAs at Orchard Court, Arborstone Enhanced Care, and Maplestone Enhanced Care about the most rewarding part of their roles as CCAs. 

Orchard Court

At Orchard Court in Kentville, Ola Asade recalls that the most rewarding part of his work is “supporting residents with their daily needs while sharing kindness, patience, and respect. Seeing their comfort and smiles makes the work deeply rewarding.” His colleague, Chelsea Hutchinson, agrees, noting that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a CCA is “seeing someone smile and laugh when I’ve done something to make them happy. Together, they show how simple gestures of compassion and care can light up a resident’s day.” 

For Haley Bruhm, building connections is the most fulfilling part of her role. “I find chatting with our residents most rewarding. It’s nice to hear residents and family members express gratitude and see their smiles. We create such a bright spot in their lives, and they, in ours. I enjoy knowing I was a part of their daily life.” 

Her colleague Ann Marie Martin emphasizes that the most rewarding aspect is: “Being there for residents and their families. Seeing their smiles makes my day brighter.” In turn, for Carlie Misner, happiness comes from “bringing joy to my residents daily, enriching their everyday lives.” Similarly, for Daniel Itodo, the core of the role lies in “the sense of connection and purpose I get from the bonds and trust developed with the residents and their families.” 

Priyanka Sharma adds that what matters most is “the chance to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of residents. Supporting them with care, compassion, and dignity brings me a sense of fulfillment.” Finally, at Orchard Court, Megan Leslie emphasizes both pride and teamwork: “I am so proud to be a CCA. I find the work very rewarding, and I love working side by side with all the members of our team.” 

Arborstone Enhanced Care & Maplestone Enhanced Care

At Arborstone Enhanced Care in Halifax, CCAs express similar feelings of pride and fulfillment. For Sasha Brooks, joy is found in “making residents smile. I love helping them with the things they can’t do alone while still encouraging their independence and dignity.” Kristine Hernandez points to appreciation as a source of strength: “Feeling appreciated by both residents and families…reminds me why this work matters. It’s rewarding to know my efforts are valued.” 

This is echoed by Delasi Sarpong , who reflects: “When I know residents’ needs are met and they are cared for, I feel a great sense of accomplishment and pride in my work.” In the same way, for Louisa Ofeimun, the role is guided by compassion: “Helping someone in need is everything to me. Love and compassion guide what I do, and being able to support others is the most fulfilling part of my role.” 

At Maplestone Enhanced Care, in Halifax, Paula Andrea Paez Lencheros highlights the small but powerful ways residents express gratitude: “It’s not just working with a great team, it’s the people we care for at Maplestone who make the job truly meaningful. Even when they can’t say ‘thank you,’ their hugs, smiles, and jokes say it all.” 

Across Orchard Court, Arborstone Enhanced Care, and Maplestone Enhanced Care, a common theme emerges: CCAs find fulfillment not only in the care they provide but also in the relationships they build, the appreciation they receive, and the joy of brightening someone’s day. Their words remind us that continuing care is about more than just support; it’s about dignity, respect, and human connection.