Soothing Staff Spa Day

Maimonides Administrative Technician Brenda Barbalat (right) offers a helping hand as a manicurist at JEC Staff Spa Day, giving Dietary Technician Doris Deschênes a pop of colour on a November’s day.
Maimonides Administrative Technician Brenda Barbalat (right) offers a helping hand as a manicurist at JEC Staff Spa Day, giving Dietary Technician Doris Deschênes a pop of colour on a November’s day.

Staff at Donald Berman Maimonides (DBM) and Jewish Eldercare Centre (JEC) were pampered with massages, manicures, haircuts, makeup and other relaxing spa services at spa days held at both centres. An initiative of Planetree, the patient-centred philosophy that governs the care at both DBM and JEC, the spa days are sponsored by the Jewish Eldercare Maimonides Foundation. Multi-purpose rooms were transformed into spas on November 8 at DBM and November 22 at JEC, with relaxing music, aromatherapy and beauty professionals on hand to indulge staff.

Nicole Johnson from Housekeeping at Maimonides brightens up her day with a rainbow of colours.
Nicole Johnson from Housekeeping at Maimonides brightens up her day with a rainbow of colours.

At Jewish Eldercare, Eli Azoulay from the Technical Services department was helping set up the spa when he was approached by SAPA Coordinator Daniela Vrabie, who urged him to try one of the services for himself. Given the physical nature of his work, Mr. Azoulay opted for a massage—his first ever. “I was a bit hesitant at first, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. My neck feels great now!”

“It doesn’t take much to show employees this kind of recognition, by bringing a calming retreat right to their workplace,” Ms. Vrabie says. “But the results are well worth it! I see employees who are happier and more relaxed.”

JEC Occupational Therapist Viviane Grégoire (seated) lets her hair down with hairdresser Katia Décembre at JEC Staff Spa Day.
JEC Occupational Therapist Viviane Grégoire (seated) lets her hair down with hairdresser Katia Décembre at JEC Staff Spa Day.