Kim Stanley has been Donald’s aide for five years.  Donald is 64 years old and has Down’s Syndrome, and is very attached to Kim.  Kim is willing to pick Donald up at the Alfred Carr Center where he goes every weekday.  Donald has to wear a colostomy bag because his appendix ruptured years ago and then his colon prolapsed and extends out of his body. She's always taking care of his needs without him even having to ask, she anticipates them which makes things so much better for him.

Our family agrees that Kim Stanley has all the attributes one needs to be a good home care hero such as patience, reliability, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, and so many more I could go on for days. We all believe and consider her our HomeCare Hero and I know Donald does too!

Donald P., Zanesville, OH

I am writing to nominate Barbara Williams as a Interim Home Care Hero.  All the attributes one would need to be a Home Care Hero are part of Ms. Williams’ natural and daily routine.  Her compassion, helpfulness and dependability to name a few, have been a Godsend to my life.

As one example of how much she has bettered my life (and there are many) and cared for me above my expectations was during the holiday season.  I volunteer at the Salvation Army which requires long and late hours but she never fails to pick me up at the late hour to transport me home safely.  Even during that hectic time for me, she kept my home needs, dietary specifics, etc, organized and running smoothly.

I know she cares for others and that’s ok because I know she has room in her gigantic heart for us all.  I hope you see Ms. Williams as the Home Care hero she is, especially to me.  She is an angel to me and I consider her my Hero every day.

George R., PA

I would like to highlight some of the attributes of our Interim caregiver Trish that makes her a hero to us and why we believe she is an outstanding “Home Care Hero.” Overall, Trish has become the cornerstone of our efforts to keep Mom in her home as long as possible. Because we live so far away, the job of overseeing and implementing Mom’s care at home would have been nearly impossible with out a person of Trish’s competence, intelligence and commitment on the job. Over the years, we have dealt with numerous caregivers from three different agencies for our two sets of parents, so we know from experience what it takes to be a true home care hero. Among all the caregivers we have encountered, Trish definitely standouts from the rest.

Professionalism- Trish brings to bear a full range of well-honed skills and competencies needed to perform as an excellent eldercare professional. Caring for Mom is not just a job to her. Trish’s dedication to Mom’s well being is as sincere and complete as one can be.

Patience and Compassion—Trish exemplifies patience and compassion when dealing with Mom who can sometimes be short tempered or seem unreasonable as Mom has some cognitive impairment. She absorbs corrective comments without becoming defensive or angry.

Friendliness—One of Mom’s friends has gone out of his way to comment on how enjoyable Trish is when she accompanies Mom to social events. He said, “Trish is great and the kind of caregiver we all hope for, if we need one.”

Mom is 90 years old and after spending 35 years of her life providing loving care full-time for my disabled brother, we believe Mom deserves the opportunity to enjoy a full and secure a life while at home. Trish is the main reason we can live 70 miles from my mother and be confident that Mom is receiving the BEST care imaginable.

Cindy M. - Ceres, CA

I have been a patient with Interim for over a year.  I don’t know what I would do without Interim, especially my nurse Kim. I look forward to seeing Kin on her visits.  Having Interim has been a blessing; it has relieved some of the pressure off of my family for having to try to get me to the Labor Wound Care Centers, since it is difficult for me to leave the house, as I am disabled.  I brag about my nurse Kim, to my physicians, friends and staff in the hospital.  Kim helped me to get help after my last hospitalization with cleaning my house, receiving meals on wheels, equipment needed in the home.

I live alone and want to remain in my home as long as I can.  With the help of Interim, my nurse Kim, and my family, I feel I will be able to remain here safely for a long time.

Elizabeth B

Tina is not only my Interim HERO; she has also become a part of our family.  I am a person who thrives on routine.  Tina never fails to come to our home on time and ready to help me with my day.

It is said that the best performers in the service industry not only know what their customer will need, but when they will need it.  Tina personifies this statement. 

Depending upon what day it is, Tina already knows what I want to do that day.  By anticipating my needs in advance, Tina eliminates stress form my daily routine.

For example, when Tina transports me to my independent rehab exercise facility, she knows which machine I will use each step of the way.  She not only anticipates the weight that I need, but also the personal settings that make me the most comfortable.

When I was confined to a wheelchair, I gained nearly 70 pounds.  It was Tina who suggested that I consider the Weight Watcher’s program, which had helped her to lose weight and maintain her loss.

As a result of her recommendation, I chose to follow her advice.  I not only lost the 70 pounds that I had gained, but have kept the weight off since January of 2005.

I have had many helpers since my accident.  Only one has become not only my friend, but also my inspiration.  Tina Heslop is a woman who has earned not only my respect but also my admiration.

K. Fray.