KUDOS from Kelly

by Kelly McNamara

Eileen’s Team, The MAGNIFICENT NINE

Dawn Reed, Dora Oduro, Luenda Julian, Angela McCoy, Shelly Ann, Kelly Hennessey, Maria Nanez, Alicia Gladue and Priscilla Franco

This month we lost a very special client and friend, Eileen Nixon. We were all especially fond of her husband Al as well. For the two years we cared for Eileen and supported Al, they were more like family than clients.

All the care provided by these special caregivers was directed toward helping her make the most of her life while maintaining her comfort. As her care became more complex, the caregivers developed strategies to meet the many challenges that came her way. When she began hospice in last few weeks of her life, these caregivers collaborated with our wonderful colleagues at McLean Hospice. Their unique ability to share the hospice care with the folks at McLean Hospice was unsurpassed. Eileen’s care, up until the end, was top notch and very professional.

We expect all our caregivers to be compassionate, competent and caring in their work. But these nine remarkable women went far above and beyond their traditional good care. They were creative in their approaches, altering them to fit the situation, especially as Eileen declined. Their humor, downright goofiness at times helped to buoy her husband Al, and brought laughter even at the toughest times.

The “Magnificent Nine” as her husband Al named them, were amazingly flexible, changing schedules on short notice to accommodate Eileen’s needs, working extra hours, and supporting each other. Their unique ability to work as a team, insure adequate communication among all of them, was unsurpassed. Their affection for Al and his family helped to bolster spirits at the difficult times.

It is always an honor to care for our clients in the special way that hospice requires. For a client as special as this, it was a unique experience we will always remember.

We attend many funerals and memorial services for our clients. Eileen’s was in many ways extraordinary. The large number of friends and family, the personalized services, the lovely settings. And for us, the very special moment in her memorial service came when the minister made particular mention of Eileen’s caregivers and how much they had contributed to her and her family. Perhaps the highest praise ever bestowed on a fine group of caregivers.

Our genuine thanks to all of you, the Magnificent Nine

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 Always There…!! ■