The guiding philosophy behind “What Matters Most” is as follows: 

"At Extendicare, we value our customers and our team who cares for them. We are committed to treating them with dignity and respect in an atmosphere of compassion. As health care professionals, we take pride in being responsive to the needs of those who rely upon us." 

The six cornerstones of “What Matters Most” were derived from this philosophy statement. 

We demonstrate RESPONSIVENESS by taking the initiative to anticipate needs and being accountable for making sure that appropriate action is taken to resolve issues. 

People with INTEGRITY have high professional standards and they encourage others to exceed expectations.  People who show COMPASSION provide high quality service by being empathetic to the needs of others.

You demonstrate DIGNITY by conducting yourself with poise in a manner that considers the feelings and privacy of others.

When you take PRIDE in your work, you are enthusiastic, you speak positively about your job, the work environment and the quality of the services provided.

RESPECT is shown by having consideration for others, behaving in a courteous manner and earning the admiration of your peers.

Investing in Your Future
Extendicare’s Educational Assistance Program and
the Extendicare Foundation Scholarship Program 

Making Higher Education More Affordable for Employees
With the rapid increase in the cost of education, finding a company that will invest in your future is increasingly important.  Finding one that invests in your children as well is all the more rare.  Extendicare encourages its employees and their children to pursue their dreams and we recognize that, in order to remain competitive in today’s world, education is a necessity.  Therefore, we have established an educational assistance program for employees.  In addition, through our Extendicare Foundation, we provide a scholarship program for employees and their children.

Financial Assistance to Achieve Your Goals
Achieving your career goals is easy at Extendicare with two opportunities for financial assistance.  With our Educational Assistance Program, the company will pay 65%, up to $2500 annually, for the cost of resident tuition, books and direct school charges.  Educational Assistance is available for programs that are related to the employee’s present job or to a position within the company for which the employee can reasonably expect to qualify in the future.  Although our degrees will be considered, degrees in the health care field will be given priority consideration.  Courses must be taken at accredited vocational schools, colleges or universities that provide college or vocational credit.

To qualify you must have successfully completed your probationary period and be regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours each week.  Once admitted to the program, you must maintain an average grade of “C” or better for each term and submit a copy of your grades each quarter.  All we ask is that you remain with Extendicare for one year upon completion of your degree.  Should you leave the organization prior to one year, you will be required to reimburse the company for the financial assistance you have received.  Once you are in the Educational Assistance Program, you do not need to re-apply.

The Extendicare Foundation Scholarship Program provides employees and their children assistance to pursue an education in the health care profession at an accredited college or university.  Scholarships are awarded quarterly on a competitive basis without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, etc.  The facility where the employee works must have raised a minimum of $10 per bed for the Foundation in the prior year in order to qualify.  Each Extendicare Foundation award recipient will receive up to $2000 per year to be used for tuition and school-related fees and the scholarship must be renewed annually.  If the scholarship recipient leaves Extendicare’s employment, the scholarship does not have to be paid back.

It’s that simple and employees can apply to both programs.  As long as the guidelines are met, individuals are eligible to receive financial assistance for their higher education through both programs.  (Children of employees can only apply for the Extendicare Foundation Scholarship).