We Are IH: Health care assistants are the heart of health care


Health care assistants (HCAs) make a tremendous difference in our lives. HCAs may have many different job titles, including:
- Community Health Worker
- Residential Care Aide
- Home Support Worker
- Long-Term Care Aide
- Home Health Aide
- Continuing Care Assistant
- Personal Care Aide
The one thing all HCAs have in common is that they provide frontline personal care and assistance services to vulnerable patients, clients and residents.
Meet two of our HCAs at Interior Health.
Estelle Hovanes, Health Care Assistant
Years of Service: 5
Worksite: McKinney Place
Community: Oliver
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Advice to live by: Be happy, healthy and live day-to-day.
Estelle Hovanes was born in Edmonton and raised in Terrace, B.C. She describes herself as loving and kind. This translates well to her position as a health care assistant – she loves working with the elderly, and finds her job very rewarding.
Not one to stay idle, Estelle also earned her Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology in 2010 and looks forward to using this education in her career. In fact, she was previously a Child Protection Worker Social Worker, before moving to Oliver.
It’s her passion for working with seniors that has kept Estelle in her role instead of pursuing another position in mental health and substance use. Estelle also volunteers as a hospice worker for Desert Valley Hospice and completed her recreation activity worker certificate.
Outside of work, Estelle is a Healing Touch Practitioner and is excited about getting certified in that program. She’s also looking forward to travel and upcoming holidays.
A unique fact about Estelle: “I have one leg shorter than the other.”
Denise Blackburn (she/her/hers), Health Care Assistant
Years of Service: 5
Worksite: F.W. Green Home
Community: Cranbrook
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa
Advice to live by: Do what makes you happy regardless of what others think.
Denise Blackburn, health care assistant at F.W. Green Home, was born and raised in beautiful Cranbrook. She says her role has given her the appreciation of knowing she’s made someone smile.

“I go home from a day’s work feeling like I made a difference in someone’s life. When residents see me they light up. The residents that live at F.W Green Home make me feel special.”
Denise is looking forward to continuing her career in health care as she finishes her practical nursing diploma.

Outside of work, Denise is always up for an adventure. She loves skiing, hanging out with her dog, Roca, and rock climbing. She’s also solo backpacked four countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Ireland).
Explore Health Care Assistant Careers@IH
Have you thought about a career as a Health Care Assistant at IH?
The Health Career Access Program (HCAP) is a paid work and training initiative for individuals seeking an entry point to employment in health. New hires will start as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) providing non-direct care at a long-term care, assisted living or home health site, and receive paid training to become a Health Care Assistant (HCA) upon successful completion of the program.


Interior Health’s Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP).
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Derrick has lost more than 80 family members & friends to the toxic drug and opioid crisis. He reflects on grief & loss, and issues a plea for compassion.
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Devon has been working in various positions at Interior Health since 2017, and as an administrative assistant to the director of Health System Planning(HSP).
/stories/we-are-ih-admin-assistant-aims-create-positive-impact


All 29 of IH's emergency depts. offer Sexual Assault Forensic Examination services. Confidential and compassionate, SAFE starts with We believe you.
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Lenora Starr is an Indigenous cultural safety practice lead of St’át’imc Nation advocating for the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the Interior.
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Trauma is a powerful force that can shape a person’s life. Learn what trauma is, and why those who use substances need compassion and understanding.
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