KUDOS from Kelly

by Kelly McNamara

Gloria Diamuka
This is a first for the kudos page. A client’s daughter actually specifically requested I include this caregiver in our Kudos for January. This has me thinking that perhaps we should have our client families’ work for us more often. So, thanks Margery!! We are happy to shout Gloria’s praises. Gloria has been the caregiver of EM, a very spirited 99 year old with an equally spirited daughter, for several months. She shares the care giving with another of our staff TK, since both caregivers have small children and this works out for them, for us and for the client especially. Gloria’s irrepressible sense of humor, of fun and her great cooking skills are but one side of her talents. She is also an astute observer of EM’s status, and a careful monitor of her problems before they become major. It is our pleasure to highlight her this month. Our first caregiver nominated by an family member (I see a trend coming here!) Thanks Gloria!

Lydia Ohene-Agyekum
We all know that there is a national and local effort to keep people out of hospitals by carefully monitoring them at home and making sure they remain compliant. This is especially important with clients living with chronic disease. Lydia’s client G L generally does a very good job, along with Lydia of managing her condition. She is in such impressive shape that the holiday season saw GL and Lydia at many lovely social events enjoying the high life they both so appreciate. But later in the month GL began a decline, needed to be taken to the hospital for treatment for several days. Upon her return home Lydia faced new care challenges, managing her client’s oxygen and different routine, making sure the transmission of her vital signs via telephony happened daily, working in collaboration with the VNA to keep her safe and stable at home. Lydia has handled all these additional responsibilities with grace, humor and ease using the skills of the consummate professional that she is. We hope that GL aand Lydia will soon be joining us again for outings to the opera and her favorite restaurants.

What ever would we do without you, Lydia? Thanks for everything

All caregivers mentioned in this column will receive a gift card and our sincere appreciation! Many many thanks to all of you for once again extending yourselves to ensure that we are of course ■