Kudos From Kelly

Our Everyday Heros By Kelly McNamara

Nadine Meredith & Stacey Grizzle 

Dorothy Baxter- Dot, as she is affectionately called by all of us, is a very special lady. NEVER in an “off mood” regardless of how she feels, any aches she may be feeling on a particular day, what may be worrying her, she always has a smile to light up the room, transforming everyone’s mood to a sunny one.

Her caregivers Nadine and Stacey work so well together it can be challenging to tell them apart. They finish each other’s sentences, they each have creative ideas on how to best care for Dot, they are each so very fond of her. For these two devoted caregivers, she is more a cherished family member than a client.

They are each quick to figure out the best ways to transfer Dot when she loses strength on occasion. They operate like a well-oiled machine, both so fond of Dot, clearly their favorite client. Her daughter (also named Nadine, just to keep it all a bit confusing) is a treasure trove of great creative solutions for transfer, ambulation, sleep (headphones playing music attached to her mom’s pillow case for example) our attentive caregivers follow all her creative solutions in Dot’s care as well as using these techniques with other clients. Many thanks to “Nadine the daughter” for improvising transfer techniques for Dot, which we adapt for other clients.

The schedule these special caregivers have developed for themselves is very creative ...Each works one week then is relieved by her care partner. After a brief update one leaves to tend to her husband and children, the other for some R & R and perhaps to work another case. Their partnership is extremely effective and the transition from week to week seamless to Dot, who clearly adorers them both.

Our years with Dot will end soon as she transitions to the care of her family. We will miss Dot and her amazing loving daughter as well as her daughter in law Glenna, who also assists with her care on a regular basis, and provides a break for Nadine or Stacey in mid-day. A memorable, sweet, wonderful lady, joyful even on challenging days and her loving supportive family will be forever in our memories as we bring the lessons they have all shared with us to all our clients. Our gratitude is overwhelming!  

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…!! ■