Retired 85-year-old nurse returns to work to help seniors during coronavirus

“I thought they needed me and I came,” said Miller, who worked for over 35 years as a geriatric nurse before retiring.

Last fall, Miller retired from her position at the Villa Renaissance nursing home in Dalhousie, but as the pandemic began to take its toll in late March, she felt the urge to return to work.

Miller has little fear about contracting coronavirus herself, taking up the call to return to the Villa Renaissance home as head nurse. “We are all afraid but I am a senior in good health and I am taking all the precautions,” said Miller, adding she's always had a "healing heart."

“She has such a positive attitude and I am sure this is why she is able to still be working at 85 years old,” said Kim Cormier, another nurse at Villa Renaissance. Cormier called Miller an "anchor," and commended her ability to be on her feet eight hours a day, caring for those at the home.

"The residents mean everything to me. They are like family,” said Miller. She said it's unclear just how long she will continue to work as the nature of this pandemic is still very much unknown. Miller noted that she couldn't imagine not being at Villa Renaissance for the residents of the home during this time of need. Due to the social distancing measures, the residents of the home are unable to see their families.

Miller is taking all necessary precautions to protect herself and the seniors from contracting COVID-19 and will continue to help support for as long as she can.

“I am just trying to do the best that I can” said Miller.