Excellence in Caregiving Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Caregiving
2011 Excellence in Caregiving Awards Ceremony
Annually, the Excellence in Caregiving Awards honors family caregivers, organizations, and professionals who serve individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for their outstanding achievement in caregiving. The 2011 winners were announced during the luncheon of the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Education Conference.
The Professional Award recognizes an individual who has brought a sincere dedication to his or her profession that serves as a model to others who are within the field. The Professional Award recipient was Margaret Minton, CNA at Grandview Care Center in Hazelton, for her 21 years of dedication to serving residents and their families. Margaret has a supportive, selfless nature which is best displayed as she works with Alzheimer’s patients. She encourages independence while working with patients to achieve their needs.
The Organization Award recognizes an organization, agency or institution that has chosen the development of exceptional programs and/or services that benefit the Alzheimer’s community and its mission. Lois Stull of Keystone Nursing Care Center and Tim Casey of Keystone Elementary School accepted the Organization Award. Lois and Tim started a relationship between the fifth grade class at Keystone Elementary and the residents of Keystone Nursing Care Center. They combined forces to implement activities to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s™. This partnership allows the students and residents to further connect with the community.
The Family Caregiver Award recognizes an individual or family who embodies the courage to face the challenges of caregiving, the compassion to ensure dignity for their loved one, and the wisdom to reach out for support. Don Sawyer of Waterloo received the Family Care Partner Award for his dedication as a caregiver for his wife, Mary, who is currently battling Alzheimer’s disease. Don’s dedication to caregiving extends past the love and care he provides to Mary, he commits time to caring for other residents in the facility. Don’s thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm to support all he can is inspirational.
The Special Service Award recognizes an individual or a group that has made a unique contribution. Gary and Alice Blasen of Marian received the Special Service Award for their work in changing the face of public policy. At the age of 50, Gary was diagnosed with Frontal-Temporal Dementia. In 2009, Gary and Alice participated in national hearings to make changes to the Compassionate Allowance rules for Social Security Disability, securing a fast track for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. In 2011, the couple traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the Alzheimer’s Association Advocacy Forum. The couple met with legislators and staff members, told them their story and asked the federal government support Alzheimer’s legislation. Alice and Gary’s strength to take action against this disease is monumental.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be one of the most challenging and overbearing commitments a person can take on. These recipients have truly given of themselves to provide and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
