"Outstanding" Wicklow woman is CAREGiver of the Year

27/10/2009 14:30:27

Ann-Marie Shortt from Bray, Co Wicklow, has been announced as the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver of the Year 2009. She was presented with her award by Roger Baumgart, Chief Executive of Home Instead USA and Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of the Home Instead organisation in Ireland.

Described as "a gem amongst Caregivers" by her employer, Seamus Murphy, Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care based in Southern Cross Business Park in Bray, Co Wicklow, Ann-Marie was commended for the sincere and dedicated care she offers her clients, many of whom have been particularly challenging.

Home Instead Senior Care provides non-medical, in-home services allowing seniors to continue living independently in their own homes for longer than might otherwise be possible. CAREGivers assist with duties such as light housekeeping, running errands, transport to medical and social appointments, meal preparation and companionship. Specialist services include post-hospital convalescent care and expert Alzheimer's disease and dementia care. Further information is available from the Wicklow office on Tel: 01-2768122 or from www.homeinstead.ie.

"Ann-Marie has been with us since we opened for business in 2005. Since that time she has coped professionally and patiently in the most difficult of situations including being verbally abused, being locked out of a house and even tracking down one client with Alzheimer's disease who decided to head off to Cork on the train on his own", said Seamus Murphy.

In addition to her work as a professional carer, Ann-Marie also cares for her own young family and manages a local crèche in the mornings. Up until recently she also cared for her own mother who suffers from Alzheimer's. Her mother has now entered a residential home, but Ann-Marie continues to visit regularly and even brought one of her clients, who loves to sing, to her mother's birthday party in the home.

Ann-Marie makes a point of getting to really know her clients, exploring new ways to interact with them and really getting them involved in activities which expand their interests. But it is not only her clients that she cares for. As one family member put it: "We felt that she was caring not only for my father but also looking after the needs of the entire family".

One client's testimonial refers to Ann-Marie as being "outstanding". Another says: "Ann-Marie's sunny disposition, good humour and extreme kindness and relaxed disposition at all times and in all circumstances make it a joy to be in her company, not only for her 'charge' but for everyone who has met her."

Perhaps the best summation of her caring skills can be seen in the following example taken from a letter sent by the family of a senior client.

Catherine (not her real name) had refused to accept any help in her home as she did not like any of the carers proposed. The family introduced Ann-Marie to Catherine in home last February as their 'friend' and chatted over a cup of coffee. "

Before leaving Ann-Marie knelt beside Catherine and asked is she would mind if she came to help the next day. Catherine agreed.

"This was the beginning of a true friendship and wonderful care for Catherine. It has made life for the family much easier - success at last! ... Ann-Marie is expert in her work as a carer and assesses very quickly how to treat each person in her care. In our case it is kindness, humour and trust that gives Catherine complete confidence in Ann-Marie and she enjoys her company immensely. Trust is a very important attribute for all carers and Ann-Marie has this in spades!".

Pictured below is Ann Marie receiving her award (from left to right) from Ed Murphy, Managing Director, Home Instead Senior Care Ireland and Roger Baumgart, CEO, Home Instead Senior Care, Omaha, USA.