People of Perley - Greg Heika

At loose ends and hanging around the house, Greg Heika got an ultimatum from his mother, Debbie Heika: Either go back to university, or get a job.

Debbie had nurtured a growing career of her own at Perley Health. Her son applied and started working as a linen aide, doing laundry and delivering personal items to residents. The longer he chatted with residents in the home-like facility that summer, the more Greg realized that Perley Health was not just a temporary stop on his career journey. His “part-time summer gig” flourished into an unexpected and satisfying career in Seniors' and Veterans' healthcare.

Greg seized opportunities for advancement. Perley Health staff encouraged him to use grants and bursaries to continue his education, that moved him up the ladder. Greg studied business administration with a specialization in international business, and supply chain management. Greg currently serves as Supervisor, Materials Management and Linen Services.

Greg's 10 to 15 full and part-time staff are busy seven days a week. They receive and confirm inventory from trucks delivering supplies, handling between 750 to 1,200 pounds of material each day. On the Linen Services side, Greg's team ensures that Perley Health's 450 residents' linen, and washable items used in classes and events, is laundered in-house every day.

Residents who are Veterans are particularly close to Greg's heart, because of their service to their country. “I know it's not much compared to what they gave up for us, but I'm trying to make sure that they're having fun and can focus on living their best lives.”

Greg sits on Perley Health's Veterans' Council and the Community Resident Council, taking guidance directly from residents. He says that working with Seniors and Veterans gives him a much different perspective on long-term care than others in his age group. “Healthcare is so diverse, but it's a grey zone for folks in my generation,” Greg says. “I try to explain to people that Perley Health is a community.”

The way Perley Health staff pulled together during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of that tight-knit team approach, Greg recalls. He describes the COVID-19 years as a whirlwind for Materials Management and Linen Services. As in every other department, his staff pulled together. They ensured that residents and staff alike were as safe, secure, and buffeted from the pandemic's brutal effects, as they could. His team kept Perley Health stocked with PPE, masks, gloves and face shields.

During COVID-19 healthcare setting restrictions, Greg joined other staff who worked through the pandemic. With fewer staff and no volunteers, they covered every task critical to residents' welfare, 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Many workers were not able to stay with their own families. Greg was engaged when the pandemic struck. His wedding had to be postponed several times. His child was born during the pandemic.

Greg has no regrets. “I can't really say I would change anything. The community banded together and gave the best care we could. We learned lessons in case it happens again. Now we move forward.”

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"After being kind of boots on the ground here and hanging out with the residents and delivering their clothes and chatting with them, it opened my eyes and I saw it's a much bigger community here and a lot more goes on than you see on the outside.” - Greg Heika, Supervisor, Materials Management and Linen Services