Scottsdale-Based Caregiver Takes Top Award

NAMPA, IDAHO  — The national office of Assisting Hands Home Care announced today Scottsdale caregiver Peter “Reid” Finlayson has been named Assisting Hands’ National Caregiver of the Year.

Assisting Hands Home Care Scottsdale franchise owner Valerie Shaw nominated Finlayson based on his care of an elderly patient that began in 2013 after a stroke. When the patient returned home, his blood pressure was high, he was vomiting and weak, which required seven-day-a-week, round-the-clock care.  Through Assisting Hands, Finlayson was to rotate with another caregiver four days on, three days off.

According to Shaw, Finlayson was so concerned about the patient’s condition that he did not want a different caregiver to come in until the patient was stable. Finlayson sacrificed time away from his family to take care of the patient, staying with him around the clock for three weeks nursing him back to health. During this critical three weeks, Finlayson discovered through talking with the doctor and pharmacist that the medications were wrong. Finlayson advocated to have the patient’s medication corrected immediately, and the patient began to get better.

In her submission Shaw wrote:

Over the years and to this day, Reid has been Doc’s ‘voice’ on many occasions. Doc is unable to articulate through complex situations. He asks Reid to speak on his behalf (Doc is always present) with lawyers and doctors, and in financial situations to convey his wishes… Reid is devoted to Doc and has vowed to remain as his caregiver for as long as Doc needs him.

Shaw’s submission also includes three incidents where Finlayson saved the patient’s life.

“Assisting Hands Home Care is blessed with many, many capable caregivers who go above and beyond,” said Lane Kofoed, CEO of Assisting Hands Home Care.  “When we read Valerie’s story about Mr. Finlayson’s care of this patient, we wanted to honor him as an example of what differentiates Assisting Hands from other home healthcare companies.

“Reid is certainly deserving of this award, as are many Assisting Hands caregivers,” said Shaw.  “I appreciate the Assisting Hands national team honoring him.”

During Assisting Hands’ annual franchise retreat last month, caregiver awards were given to VJ Kalapala,  Northeast regional winner from Assisting Hands Home Care Potomac; Nancy Cook, Southwest regional winner from Assisting Hands Home Care San Diego; April Garcia, Southeast regional winner from Assisting Hands Gulf Coast; Rebecca Namyalo, Northcentral regional winner from Assisting Hands Home Care Minneapolis; and Millicent Okwueze, Southeast regional winner from Assisting Hands Home Care West Houston.