Kudos From Kelly

Our Everyday Heros By Kelly McNamara

Abena Yeboah & Kishma Baijoe

We make every effort to ensure that all our clients have consistent caregivers. This is particularly essential with our hospice clients. We are so very proud of the special care we provide to both the hospice client as well as his/her family (and pets). Our very special client Jim F has grown quite fond of both his daytime caregiver Abena as well as his relief for days or nights, Kishma.

As his primary caregiver, Abena is Jim’s live-in and has the major role in his care including preparing his meals, insuring he takes his meds when necessary, that he is assisted to his wheelchair when he is ready to be up and about. An avid gardener with a magnificent home, overlooking a lovely forest, he also tended the yard and garden for years. His basement housed a large table used in days gone by as a spot for nurturing seedlings through the winter until spring planting. A brilliant man and former college professor, he liked to tell stories to his caregivers and visitors who enjoyed discussing his latest reading material.

Abena set a schedule according to Jim’s needs and preferences and Kishma was a quick learner. Her easy manner with Jim, appreciation of his needs for both company and privacy, she was able to fill in for Abena or take night shifts, allowing her to sleep. Jim is quite fortunate to have regular visits from his daughter, son-in-law, and son Nat, all lovely people. 

Animals played an important role in Jim’s life as well. His much-loved cat, a beautiful Persian named Sergei, loved attention but not grooming. Tom, one of our company owners and a long-time cat lover, assumed litter box and cat food responsibilities. He also bravely delivered Sergei to his grooming appointment (sedated) from which he emerged his newly beautiful self. Once clean and groomed he took up residence in Jim’s room, often sharing his bed.

As Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement, said, “You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

Our goal is help Jim have good days with those he loves through the final months of life. Our special compassionate caregivers bring their warmth and love into Jim’s home where he has spent so many lovely days.

Many thanks to both Abena and Kishma!

All caregivers mentioned in this column will receive a bonus and our sincere gratitude! Many thanks to all of you for once again extending yourselves to ensure that we are of course Always There…!! ■