A Tradition of Great Caregiving
At Home Instead Senior Care, we reward our local CAREGivers with CAREGiver of the Month and CAREGiver of the Year awards to show our appreciation for all they do. Home Instead, Inc. also recognizes regional CAREGivers of the Year and one special CAREGiver who shows exceptional dedication is the recipient of the national award — The Mary Steibel CAREGiverSM of the Year Award.
This program inspires CAREGivers to strive for excellence. It creates a sense of pride in the fact that the Home Instead Senior CareSM franchise network recognizes, appreciates and rewards their hard work, compassionate care and service to others.
Meet 2012 Local CAREGiver of the Year - Ed Shaw
From owner Jeanne McCusker
Ed was in the air force for 30 years and also an associate pastor. When Ed walks into a room he exudes the confidence of his military background, the warmth of his pastoral background, and a smile that can light up any room. His life experience makes him an amazing caregiver both personally and professionally. Ed’s interactions with clients create a mutual level of respect because he is able to meet his dementia clients where they are that moment in time. He actively engages his clients to improve their quality of life by encouraging them to do as much as they can for themselves while also allowing them to maintain their dignity. As with his own family he knows how critical it is to show caring support the spouse and family members. His clients' families see him a crucial part of their family care team.
From a client’s wife
“Ed has been a marvelous caregiver for my husband who has short term memory loss. Dick truly lights up when he knows that Ed is visiting! Ed’s strength and gentleness in both his physical administrations and attitudes toward my husband has been phenomenal. Ed is always thinking of ways to keep him occupied whether physically or mentally. Patiently listening to the same story over and over, then asking questions over and over as if for the first time.”
From a client’s daughter
“Whenever Ed is with Dad, the whole family is at ease. Ed's competency, sensitivity, and sincerity are so reassuring. Ed's friendly, gentle manner with not only Dad, but everyone he comes into contact with, puts everyone at ease- he is never hurried. He allows Dad to find his own way if he can in a situation, but will offer assistance gently if needed. All the Home Instead caregivers are very friendly and understanding, but Ed has a quiet fortitude and ability to set Dad at ease. Some of this is accomplished through the respect Ed shows his fellow man. He will draw Dad out both mentally and physically. He knows how to ask Dad questions he is comfortable and capable of answering, such as about his childhood or his war-time experience. He knows how much space to allow Dad, showing his trust of his ability to do certain things like walking a certain distance by himself. I have learned from Ed's gentle coaxing how I can sometimes address my father in a way he will be more receptive to a certain situation. I am one of four children who assist with my parents, but we all work full time. Ed has been a remarkable presence in my parents’ lives through all his graciousness. I just wish Ed could be cloned - the world would be so much better.
