Marina and Muntaaz, Home Services

Marina has been a client of LFS Home Services for over five years. Muntaaz, her health care aide, sees her at least once or twice per shift, sometimes more. Beyond tending to her medical needs, Muntaaz has provided a compassionate listening ear for moments when Marina has felt overwhelmed by the physical challenges she experiences. Like many folks receiving home care, she appreciates the company and conversation.

"I have older parents back home," says Muntaaz, who moved to Canada from Tajikistan in 2003. "Every client I see is like my parents. Sometimes you just hold their hand and listen."

Marina has no children but some family members are able to visit, and she has a sweet old dog to keep her company. Without LFS Home Services, people like Marina would have no other option besides facility living. But thanks to hard-working HCAs like Muntaaz, they can hold onto their dignity and independence. For Muntaaz, this is the most rewarding part of her job, "I get to help people stay in their own homes. It's the best job I've ever had."