My experience working at Fraser Health

Working as an occupational therapist (OT) at Cottage and Worthington Pavillion long-term care (LTC) in Abbotsford has been both meaningful and rewarding. In my role, I strive to help residents make their stay as comfortable, safe and fulfilling as possible. This includes assessing and providing appropriate equipment, positioning surfaces, adaptive devices and mobility aids to support their independence and quality of life.

A significant part of my work involves advocating for residents by exploring funding resources through insurance, extended health benefits, veteran status and Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) programs. I often write justification letters to ensure residents receive the equipment and support they need.

What I love most about my career as an occupational therapist in LTC is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents every day. Beyond providing physical supports, I enjoy helping residents engage in meaningful occupations and activities that enhance their well-being, dignity and sense of purpose.

I also value the collaborative nature of my work. Working closely with an interdisciplinary team allows us to identify gaps in care, support one another and contribute to quality improvement initiatives that positively impact both residents and staff.

In addition, being a member of my site’s workplace Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) and serving as a union steward gives me the opportunity to advocate for safer workplaces and support my colleagues. I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute not only to resident care, but to also foster a supportive and safe work environment for the health care team.

Our team culture

What I love most about my team is the strong culture of teamwork and support. Everyone truly values working together and helps each another out whenever needed.

What makes our team so special is the philosophy that every person and role matters. Whether it is housekeeping, kitchen staff, health care workers or leadership, we recognize that each team member plays an important part in creating a safe, caring and positive environment for our residents.

We are more than just coworkers—we are one team that looks after and supports each other. That sense of respect, collaboration and compassion is what makes working here so meaningful and rewarding.

One recent achievement our team celebrated together was the successful implementation of newer donning and doffing devices for compression stockings over the past two years. Using OT perspectives, we completed a detailed task breakdown and activity analysis while carefully exploring the devices available on the market, always keeping in mind the unique needs of our frail resident population.

After thorough evaluation, we selected the most appropriate option to support both our residents’ comfort and staff safety. In collaboration with our clinical nurse educator (CNE), we organized multiple training sessions to ensure staff felt confident, competent and supported in using the equipment effectively.

The project was a great success and highlighted the strength of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation within our workplace. It was incredibly rewarding to see how applying an OT perspective could positively impact resident care, improve staff efficiency and enhance overall safety.

Growing at Fraser Health

My career at Fraser Health has provided me with immense opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I have been fortunate to work in an environment that encourages continuous learning, leadership development and meaningful collaboration. With the support and encouragement of my manager, I have taken part in leadership development opportunities which have helped strengthen my confidence and skills as a health care professional.

I have also grown through my involvement with my union, serving on the JOHSC committee and working toward developing my skills as a union steward. These experiences have deepened my understanding of workplace advocacy, safety and the importance of supporting both staff and residents.

I have also had the opportunity to contribute to quality improvement initiatives and collaborate with the risk management team to help honour residents’ wishes while identifying tolerable versus intolerable risks. Being involved in Decision Support Tool (DST) review teams on a variety of topics has also been incredibly fascinating and rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to complex and meaningful discussions in resident care.

I have also enjoyed connecting with other OTs across Fraser Health through the annual OT and Rehabilitation Assistant (RA) event that bridges collaboration, shared learning and professional connection.

There is so much meaningful work within Fraser Health, and I am grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, contribute and make a positive impact every day.

Fraser Health leadership is Clear, Caring and Courageous

I’m especially thankful for having a supportive manager who continuously encourages my professional growth while also understanding the realities and challenges of balancing life as a full-time employee and being a mom. That level of empathy and understanding makes a tremendous difference and creates a work environment where I feel valued both personally and professionally.

It is humbling to work alongside leadership that truly embodies the core values of Fraser Health—being caring, courageous and compassionate. Regular support, open communication, opportunities for learning and a collaborative team environment all contribute to making me feel motivated, supported and happy to come to work each day.

My advice for OTs

My advice to someone considering a similar position or employment with Fraser Health would be to go for it! Fraser Health offers endless opportunities for growth, learning and career advancement. Being part of a unionized workplace as an OT, with a strong benefits package provides stability, support and a positive work-life balance.

One of the things I value most is the flexibility to find a position that works for you at different stages of your life and career. Whether you are looking to grow clinically, explore leadership opportunities, participate in quality improvement initiatives, or become involved in advocacy and mentorship, there is so much potential within Fraser Health.

Most importantly, the work is meaningful. You become part of a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and where you have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of residents, patients, families and colleagues every day.

Living and working in the Fraser Health region

I love living and working in the natural beauty of the Fraser Valley. It truly feels like we are surrounded by everything—majestic mountains, lush green spaces, beautiful beaches and calming water bodies. It’s a place where nature is always close by, no matter where you are.

I also appreciate how connected we are to local farms and fresh produce, which adds to the sense of living in a vibrant and sustainable community. There is something special about being able to access fresh, local food while also enjoying the outdoors.

Outside of work, I love spending time on trails, going for bike rides and exploring the many parks in the area. It’s also a wonderful place for families with so many spaces to enjoy with kids and create lasting memories. Living here really offers a great balance between work, nature and quality of life.