10/18/2026
Thank you for all that you do.
Today is Health Care Aide Day.
Give them a nod as you see them. We are forever grateful to you all❣️
As Alberta celebrates Health Care Aide Day, we recognize the dedicated professionals who provide hands-on care in a variety of settings, including acute and continuing care. Health Care Aides (HCAs) help Albertans with daily living activities, enabling them to remain independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
One of those individuals improving the lives and health of Albertans is Rosalia Shields, a Health Care Aide at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, whose commitment to supporting clients and families reflects the best of the profession.
Q: What drew you to become an HCA?
Rosalia: I had a desire to support elderly or sick individuals with their daily needs.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Rosalia: The most rewarding part of my work is when clients, patients, and families appreciate what we do. Simple acts such as saying “thank you,” remembering our names, and always smiling when they see us.
Q: Can you share a story that captures the heart of what you do every day?
Rosalia: One day we were invited to the hospital garden for a free treat. When I arrived, I was greeted by the daughter of a former client. She smiled and told the volunteers how her father used to praise me and shared a lot of good things about the care I provided. That was a very fulfilling moment.
Q: What qualities make someone an exceptional HCA?
Rosalia: Listening intently to patients rather than rushing, preserving their privacy, honouring their personal choices, and empowering clients to do as much for themselves as possible. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and compassion are essential.
Q: What wisdom have you learned from the people you care for?
Rosalia: Working as a Health Care Aide reveals deep lessons about human resilience, vulnerability, and what truly matters in life. Material wealth and everyday stresses fade into the background when people face illness or the end of life. Health, family, love, and genuine connections matter most.
Q: What do you wish people knew about the role of an HCA?
Rosalia: Health Care Aides are often the primary eyes and ears of the care team. It is a skilled and vital frontline profession that helps preserve patients' dignity, safety, and independence.
On Health Care Aide Day, Oct. 18, we thank Rosalia and all Health Care Aides for the compassion, dedication, and exceptional care they provide to Albertans every day.
