KUDOS from Kelly

by Kelly McNamara

THE HOLIDAY ANGELS
Dawn Reed, Luenda Julian, Priscilla Franco, Lena Cave

It can be a serious challenge to staff a case during the holidays. As much as our staff are dedicated to their clients, they all need time with family and friends over the holidays.

This challenge is heightened when a late stage hospice client is in need along with his wife and daughter who deserved a great deal of support. Add to that equation the need to staff on very short notice (“Can your people start today?”) And the most important aspect…. These caregivers needed to be special; they were caring for someone in his final weeks.

Amazingly, the caregivers we called during the week of Christmas, all rose to the challenge. Within a few hours we had staff scheduled for all 24 hours daily for the next two weeks. And one caregiver, Priscilla, starting that very day. A Christmas miracle for sure.

C.M. was a truly amazing man. A Vietnam vet, an avid outdoors-man, a man of many talents, to be sure. He was also a devoted husband and doting father and grandfather. He was much loved.

He retained, until almost the end, a sense of humor and assisted our caregivers as they went about managing his pain and comfort. His type of cancer, rapidly growing with ever increasing pain, was a real challenge even to this group of truly seasoned staff. But their energy never flagged. Once again, we were privileged to work together with our colleagues at McLean Hospice to best meet the needs of this remarkable man and his family.

Dawn’s unflagging energy and unique expertise set the tone for the rest of the team. Priscilla, the student nurse, brought cheer along with her care as the daytime caregiver. Luenda worked in the evenings when pain management was toughest. And Lena, our dedicated night person provided Gail, the client’s wife, with a much needed good night’s sleep.

One especially poignant occasion was on the last evening before CM left this life. Luenda described how beautifully Gail played the piano… loud enough to be heard throughout the house and certainly by her husband. We had no idea she was so talented but what a lovely time to use this special gift.

Thanks to each of you for setting aside time from your own holidays to help a family navigate what was to be their husband’s and father’s final holiday.

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…!! ■