People of Perley - Allen Katushabe

Allen Katushabe is a familiar face at Perley Health. For the past 16 years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring the well-being of residents, first as a PSW (personal support worker) and currently as a housekeeping aide.

Allen is from Uganda, and earned her PSW certification at college. Teachers recognized her hardworking and responsible nature and recommended Perley Health as a training site. Following her practicum, the staff at Perley Health were so impressed with Allen's work ethic that they offered her a full-time position with the PSW team.

Allen's passion for caring for seniors remains strong. She finds purpose and pride in helping to ensure a clean and welcoming environment for residents, families and staff. She recognizes the importance of a comfortable and dignified living space.

Staff, residents and family have all expressed their gratitude for the PSWs and Housekeeping staff, and the personal dedication they bring to Perley Health. “This is a place everyone admires,” Allen says. “My last month working as a PSW, a family member told me: ‘Without you people, this place wouldn't be looking like this. You're doing a great job.'”

Allen explains her empathy for seniors. She puts herself in their shoes and understands their need for assistance. This desire to help transcends borders. Having come from Uganda, Allen acknowledges the world-wide culture of deep respect for seniors.

Allen's enthusiasm extends beyond her own work. She encourages others to join the Perley Health community through volunteering. Among new volunteers she helped bring to Perley is a group of recent immigrants from her home country. Allen explained to them that volunteering is an opportunity to integrate into Canadian society, gain experience, and build friendships. Some have since accepted positions with Perley Health, after demonstrating their abilities as volunteers. Watching the new Canadians enjoy positive experiences that make them want to join the Perley Health workforce fills Allen with satisfaction.

 

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"I put myself in their shoes and I realize that they need us. There are things they cannot do for themselves and they really need our help, that's why I was attracted to work with seniors.” - Allen Katushabe, Housekeeping Aide