Mental Health Personal Care

DEBBIE-ANN RICKETTS

SUMMARY

Compassionate healthcare professional with over 10 years of experience in personal care, medication administration, and patient monitoring. Skilled in geriatric care and mental health support, with a strong focus on improving patient wellness. Proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, ensuring comfort, dignity, and safety in both residential and medical environments.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Assisted residents and patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene, while following individualized care plans. Monitored and recorded vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, promptly reporting any changes to nursing staff or physicians. Administered prescribed medications under the supervision of a registered health professional, ensuring accuracy and adherence to care standards. Performed wound care and dressing changes for pressure ulcers and other injuries, maintaining infection control and promoting healing. Supported residents’ mobility and independence by providing access to assistive devices such as walkers, canes, and call bells.

Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams—including doctors, nurses, and therapists—to deliver coordinated and effective patient care. Provided emotional, cognitive, and social support to residents and families, encouraging participation in therapeutic and group activities to enhance overall well-being. Resident Care Aide, Tillsonburg Retirement Home Apr 2025 - Present Ontario • 647-***-**** • *****************@*****.*** Provide supervision and assistance to residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including eating, dressing, hygiene, and grooming, in accordance with individualized care plans.

Support residents’ communication and engagement by ensuring proper use of sensory aids such as glasses and hearing devices.

Administer specific medications to residents under the supervision of a registered health professional (with required training and authorization). Ensure residents have consistent access to mobility and assistive devices, including canes, walkers, and call bells, to promote safety and independence. Deliver ongoing cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual support to enhance residents’ overall well-being.

Provide oral and dental care as part of residents’ daily hygiene routines. Encourage resident participation in individual and group programs organized by the Resident Experience Team to foster engagement and social interaction. Unregulated Care Provider PSW, Aspira Harvest Crossing Retirement Home Jun 2025 - Present Continuing Care Assistant, Group Home - Prospect House Oct 2023 - March 2025 Worked closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other mental health professionals to ensure integrated and effective care, contributing to ongoing care planning and case discussions.

Assisted patients in adhering to prescribed medication schedules, ensuring accurate administration and monitoring for any side effects. Utilized de-escalation techniques to manage agitated or aggressive behaviors, ensuring the safety of both patients and staff.

Assisted with implementing therapeutic activities aimed at improving emotional and psychological well-being, including mindfulness exercises and cognitive-behavioral activities.

Maintained detailed and accurate patient records, documenting behaviors, symptoms, interventions, and progress.

Provided daily personal care support, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting for individuals with mental health conditions.

Ensured that all safety measures, including the removal of potentially harmful objects/substances, were in place to prevent accidents and promote patient safety. Maintained a safe environment, closely monitoring patients for signs of self-harm or suicidal behavior and following proper protocols to address crises. Provided direct care to patients, including monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse) and documenting health changes. Performed dressing changes for decubitus ulcers and other wounds, ensuring proper hygiene and healing protocols were followed.

Administered prescribed medications to patients, ensuring accuracy and adherence to medication schedules.

Assisted doctors during medical procedures and surgeries, ensuring a sterile environment and patient comfort.

Educated patients and families on care plans, medication management, and self-care techniques to promote health and recovery.

Worked closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement effective patient care plans.

Practical Nurse, SureTime Emergency Medical Service (Jamaica) Jul 2020 - Nov 2020 Provided daily personal care for a client, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting, ensuring comfort and dignity.

Administered prescribed medications, ensuring adherence to medication schedules and monitoring for side effects.

Offered companionship and emotional support, reducing isolation and promoting mental well-being through regular social interactions.

Managed household tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, and running errands to maintain a clean and organized living environment. Assisted with mobility, including transferring the client safely and supporting physical activity to promote independence.

Monitored the client’s physical and emotional condition, documenting any changes and reporting concerns to family or healthcare providers. Caregiver, Residential Private Care (Jamaica) Dec 2010 - Jul 2020 Provided wound care, including dressing and managing decubitus ulcers, ensuring proper healing and infection control.

Administered prescribed medications to residents, ensuring accurate dosage and timely administration in accordance with care plans.

Monitored residents' vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, reporting significant changes to the healthcare team.

Administered pain relief as per patient care plans, observing patient reactions and making necessary adjustments to treatment in collaboration with medical staff. Practical Nurse, Rolph Grant Senior Citizen Home (Jamaica) May 2004 - Dec 2010 Implemented infection control measures, including proper sanitization and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain a safe environment for residents. Assisted residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including mobility, dressing, and feeding, ensuring their comfort and independence.

Maintained accurate and up-to-date care plans, ensuring thorough documentation of patient progress and communicating updates to the care team for timely adjustments. Prepared patients for medical procedures by explaining steps, ensuring comfort, and assisting with positioning to facilitate a smooth process. Administered injections and vaccinations as per physician instructions, maintaining sterile techniques and monitoring for reactions.

Assisted doctors with diagnostic tests, including the collection of samples (blood, urine, etc.) and preparing materials for lab analysis.

Monitored patients post-procedure, ensuring they recovered safely, addressing any discomfort, and reporting complications to medical staff. Strictly adhered to infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization of equipment, and ensuring a clean environment for patients. Facilitated communication with patients and their families, providing updates on treatment plans, addressing concerns, and offering support.

Practical Nurse, Community Medical Complex (Jamaica) May 2002 - Dec 2004 EDUCATION

City University Aug 2020 - July 2024

MCO Nursing Institute (Jamaica) Sep 2001

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Diploma in Practical Nursing

CERTIFICATIONS

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Feb 2023 Workplace Hazards Training

Covid-19 Employee Health and Safety Training

Safe Food Handling Training for Workers

Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training for Workers (Ontario) Infection Prevention and Control Training

Personal Health Information Privacy Training (PHIPA-Ontario) Sharps Training

WHMIS 2015 - Training

Public Services Health & Safety Association May 2024 Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention

Canadian Red Cross Apr 2024

First Aid & CPR/AED level C

Canadian Food Safety Training Sep 2023

Food Handler Certification

National CPR Foundation Jan 2021

First Aid & CPR

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