Assisting Hands Rockford Caregiver Chosen as January 2024 Nominee for Prestigious Nationwide Award
Congratulations to Donna of Assisting Hands Rockford, who was the caregiver chosen as the January 2024 nominee for Assisting Hands annual Above the Best National Caregiver Award program.
One of the ways Assisting Hands Home Care recognizes and celebrates their outstanding caregivers is through the Above the Best Nominee Award, which is awarded every month to one of their exceptional caregivers, selected from over 100 locations nationwide. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of these individuals who go above and beyond to provide top-notch care for their clients.
What the Assisting Hands Home Care Team Says
“Having Donna as part of the Assisting Hands Home Care family is something that we are very happy about! The dedication she shows to her clients and her position with Assisting Hands is to be commended and praised for the difference she is making in the lives of your clients,” shared Deanna Keppel, Vice President, Assisting Hands-National Office.
Donna has been a valued caregiver with Assisting Hands Rockford for just over a year. Donna is a loving mother and grandmother. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her grandson. Donna is very passionate about helping people which is why a majority of her career she has been a caregiver. When she’s not working, she still finds a way to help others.
“Our saying in the office is “we need more Donna’s,” shared Jennifer Dexter, Owner of Assisting Hands Rockford. “A recent client google review that was submitted online summarizes why she is an invaluable employee to Assisting Hands Rockford.”
About the Above the Best Nominee Award Program
The Above the Best Nominee Award for January 2024 is a particularly special one as it marks the beginning of a new year and symbolizes fresh starts and new possibilities. With this award, Assisting Hands Home Care recognizes the exceptional qualities and contributions of their caregivers, who are the backbone of their organization.
This award not only recognizes past achievements but also inspires caregivers to continue providing the best care possible for their clients, making a positive impact in their lives every day. It is a testament to the high standards and values that Assisting Hands Home Care upholds and reflects their commitment to providing compassionate in-home care for those in need. Donna has received countless positive reviews, sharing about her caring nature and heartfelt demeanor, and one that is particularly heartfelt is one that she received just over a month ago.
Google Review Received by the Family of One of Donna’s Clients
“This will be the most meaningful review I will ever write and I will warn you that it’s not short.
My mom was in assisted living for almost 4 years. She was depressed, hopeless and frequently voiced a desperate longing for euthanasia following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Try as I may, I was unable to convince her to participate in any activities or find meaning in life as I watched her both physically and mentally deteriorate in front of the TV…day after day, week after week.
It didn’t help that my mother was not getting the care she had paid for. I was constantly advocating for her. Earlier this year, I sat with her in her primary care physician’s office following her physical exam, as the staff debated on whether or not they were mandated by the State of Illinois to report her assisted living facility for neglect. By this point (due to mobility issues), I felt it was unsafe for her to continue to ride in my car, so we had been utilizing paratransit wheelchair transport.
It was decided that perhaps a private caregiver might be able to provide a ray of sunshine in these dark times. My mother’s condition seemed truly hopeless, at times she was begging for death.
Enter Assisting Hands.
My mom was matched with caregiver Donna.
No words I could ever write or speak can convey my appreciation for what this woman did for my mom. Not just Donna, but the entire Assisting Hands organization. It is not hyperbole to say they treated my mother like FAMILY.
They befriended her; they advocated for her; they documented failures; they too were observing at the assisted living facility. But it didn’t stop there, like me, they also got involved…be it summoning help, cleaning up, helping with a wound, etc. At one point they felt she needed more clothes and took it upon themselves to drum up some donations (mind blown).
Another time, they heard my mom was sick. They’d had a staff party that day and had invited my mom, who was really looking forward to it. Assisting Hands proceeded to bring the party to her! I am still in disbelief as I’m typing this out.
I noticed a change in her mobility. It felt safe to transport her in my car again to doctor appointments.
Instead of refusing to leave her recliner, my mom was now leaving the facility and going on adventures with Donna, such as a fall drive to the Blackhawk statue or visit to Build A Bear at Cherryvale.
It may have only been 2 hours a day, twice a week…but these things were absolutely life changing for her.
Fast forward to October 27th. Donna arrived to find my mother in physical distress…clammy, cold sweat, pale…very ill. Medical staff was summoned. At first, my mom refused to go to the hospital. It was only when Donna offered to go with her that she agreed to go.
My mom died that day in the OSF Emergency Department. But before she did, Donna held her hand and assured her that she would not leave until I arrived. My mom passed away with Donna holding her hand. She was not alone…but more importantly she was with a FRIEND.
I am so grateful for everything these people did for my mom. It may have been the last few months of her life, but they managed to find and release her true self, the spirit that was lost for so long.
That same spirit now flies free.
THANK YOU, DONNA
THANK YOU, ASSISTING HANDS
–Google Review, November 2023, Shared by Marc Brown
Congratulations to Donna, the Assisting Hands Rockford Caregiver Chosen as January 2024 Nominee for Prestigious Nationwide Award
ABOUT ASSISTING HANDS ROCKFORD
Assisting Hands® can provide assistance in the privacy of their own home for you or a loved one. Our caregivers have training and experience in providing in-home care. We assist with the day-to-day activities and care, so your loved one can live independently.
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