Susie Friesen - Volunteer

Susie Friesen pops her head into the Salem Home beauty parlor and says a quick hello to one of the residents she works with.  Newly silken curls sit atop a smiling 110-year-old face. For Susie it’s no trouble to share just a bit of help at meal-time and a little conversation with this resident of Salem Home, but it means the world to a certain newly-permed grandmother.

It all began when Susie moved to Winkler.  After her mother suffered a major bone fracture, they decided that Salem Home was the best option.  Susie’s mother needed a place that could accommodate her needs and provide a caring and compassionate atmosphere.

“The staff was just great the way they cared for her special needs.  She was almost blind, so they always took that into consideration. I always felt staff did very well and if ever we had any concerns about anything they were very open to suggestions.  Wherever you’d turn, they were always good at accommodating her needs,” said Susie. 

During her visits with her mother, Susie began to notice a great need during meal times.  “There was not enough staff to accommodate all of the residents that needed help. They would be scooting from one table to the next. I think it’s more of a relaxed meal for the residents if it is a one-on-one feeding than if the person is running around trying to feed three people at the same time.”

Another area of need that Susie noticed, was the need for portering residents to an evening program or activity.  She began doing this when her mother was still at Salem Home.  The Residents expressed their appreciation to her for helping them in this way.

Susie’s mother has since passed away, but she left behind an open door for her daughter to give back to Salem Home.  Susie felt that there was no reason to stop volunteering.  At Salem Home, volunteers are warmly welcomed, and Susie has plenty of warmth to give right back. 

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