We Are IH: Occupational therapist handles challenges creatively
Name: Gillian Gabelhei (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Years of Service: 11
Worksite: Brookhaven Care Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength. – Saint Francis de Sales
Apart from a couple of years at university in Edmonton, occupational therapist (OT), Gillian Gabelhei has lived in Kelowna ever since moving to Canada from her birthplace in Durban, South Africa. She describes herself as easygoing, patient, practical and open-minded.
Learn more about her journey with IH
Gillian has an admiration for her clients, who keep their sense of humour and determination, even in the face of many personal losses. She is also inspired by the interdisciplinary teams that she has worked with over the past 11 years as an OT.
“I've seen amazing examples of co-workers supporting each other at Brookhaven Care Centre,” says Gillian. “The team here keeps sight of what is most important during challenges, such as virus outbreaks and the two evacuations we had due to wildfires.”
Gillian has a knack for looking at a problem from all angles.
“It feels good to help come up with solutions so clients can safely keep doing what they want and need to do, like being mobile or staying independent in daily activities.”
She also finds it rewarding to help palliative clients be comfortable and continue to do things that are important to them right through to their final days.
“At Brookhaven, we have the Chronic Behaviour Disorder unit, which always presents unique challenges. That team is so good at what they do, and I'm always learning new things when they need me to step in,” Gillian adds.
Gillian feels lucky to have found a career and area of health care that suits her personality so well.
“I get to be analytical, creative and compassionate all at the same time, and I don't think it will ever be boring,” she says. “I look forward to continuing to learn new things and meet new people!”
“In my role, I get to know my clients quite holistically, and I can sometimes follow their journey for an extended time. I love that.”
Gillian enjoys a rewarding family life with her husband and two small children. “Right now it's mostly about watching them explore hobbies and activities, which is so fun,” she says. They enjoy camping and spending time together at the lake in the summer.
“I like hiking on the Knox Mountain trails near my house with my two dogs, running, reading and gardening. I also like exploring the local wineries. When there's time to fit it in, I try my best at golf!”
Gillian loves a good mystery and admits that this genre is her top choice for reading and TV. However, she confesses that she doesn't like surprises “so I'm guilty of almost always flipping ahead to the last few pages or looking up what's going to happen! Somehow I enjoy it more that way.”
Gillian nominates the next We are IH
Gillian nominates Darcy Jong, recreation therapist at the David Lloyd Jones Home, to keep We Are IH going
“Recreation teams in long-term care have had to be super flexible in the last couple of years and I think that Darcy has taken it all in her stride admirably!” – Gillian Gabelhei
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