November is Long-Term Care Awareness Month
Educators have the unique opportunity to inspire students to explore meaningful and impactful careers. One field that often goes unnoticed but holds immense potential for students is long-term care. This November, during Long-Term Care Awareness Month, we’re sharing the story of Candace Lanthier, an administrator at Queen’s Garden, whose career journey offers a powerful example of how working in long-term care can transform lives—both for caregivers and those they support.
A Personal Journey Sparked by Family
Candace's path to becoming a Long-term Care Administrator began with her grandmother, who worked as a Personal Support Worker (PSW). Watching her grandmother’s dedication to caring for others and witnessing the impact she had on her community left a lasting impression on young Candace. “I was inspired by the amazing work my grandmother did and how she was able to give back to the community,” she recalls. This early exposure to the healthcare field planted the seeds for what would become her lifelong passion.
After high school, Candace followed in her grandmother’s footsteps by enrolling in the Personal Support Worker program. It was through this experience that she discovered her true calling: working with seniors. The opportunity to positively impact the lives of older adults became her driving force, and her ambitions grew. “I absolutely love what I do, my whole goal is to provide happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives for everyone we serve,” Candace shares.
Growing Through Compassion and Dedication
Over the past 20 years, Candace has grown from being a PSW to becoming the Administrator of Queen’s Garden. In her current role, she oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that residents are comfortable, happy, and healthy. Her days are spent engaging with residents, their families, and staff, while also supporting other managers to help them succeed in reaching their goals.
Candace’s journey exemplifies how dedication and compassion can lead to meaningful career growth. She believes that anyone with a passion for caring for others can succeed in long-term care, regardless of their starting point or education level. “We are always looking for kind, caring, and compassionate people to join our team. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Personal Support Worker, Registered Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, Restorative Aid, Dietary Aid, or even a Housekeeper—there’s a place for you in long-term care,” she says.
Why Long-Term Care Matters
The need for dedicated and empathetic professionals in long-term care has never been greater. As Canada’s population ages, the demand for compassionate caregivers who can provide both physical and emotional support continues to rise. Long-term care homes are communities where residents find comfort, companionship, and care.
Careers in long-term care are incredibly rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and their families. For students unsure of their career path, long-term care offers numerous growth opportunities, whether they’re interested in direct patient care or administrative roles like Candace’s.
Encouraging Students to Explore Long-Term Care Careers
By sharing stories like Candace’s, Educators can inspire students to explore career paths they may not have previously considered. Encouraging them to think about how their compassion, problem-solving skills, and desire to help others could translate into a fulfilling career in long-term care.
If students and job seekers are interested in pursuing a role in this field, Candace offers simple advice: “Start in the field and grow from there.” Whether they choose to begin as a PSW or pursue further education as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or even as a Physiotherapist, there’s room for growth and a wide range of opportunities in long-term care.
A Career That Makes a Difference
Candace Lanthier’s journey from a PSW to the Administrator of Queen’s Garden demonstrates the potential for career growth within long-term care. More importantly, her story highlights the deep personal fulfillment that comes from supporting older adults and making a positive impact on their lives. By introducing students to these possibilities, Educators can help shape the future workforce of long-term care and encourage the next generation to bring their empathy, compassion, and dedication to this vital field.
Interactive Learning and Prizes
This November, during Long-Term Care Awareness Month, students and job seekers can access the Empathy in Action badge for free on Edge Factor’s monthly Learn & Earn campaign, where they will engage in interactive activities highlighting the diverse roles within long-term care, such as Food Service Worker, Personal Support Worker, and Nurse Practitioner. Students and job seekers will also be encouraged to develop soft skills in Critical Thinking and Collaboration—both essential in caregiving.
Students who complete the badge will be entered into a prize draw for a Fitbit Inspire 3, part of Edge Factor’s unique Learn & Earn experience. This program connects users to gamified learning activities while motivating them to explore new career paths.
Learn more about Edge Factor
If you are interested in learning more about what an Edge Factor membership can unlock, create your free account, or check out Tools for Teachers.
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