Caregiver of the Year Finalist – Philicia Wing (Charleston, SC office)

Philicia Wing

When I learned about the Caregiver of the Year award, I realized I could write a book about all the wonderful BrightStar caregivers who have come into our lives over these many months. But, alas, I am only able to nominate one for this recognition. With that said, I would like to tell the committee something about Philicia Wing and why she means so much to my husband Herb, and to me. Philicia is the personification of the word “caring.” It goes without saying that Philicia has the exceptional nursing skills required to care for Herb. He requires full-time, skilled care as a result of both motor and cognitive deficits from Lewy Body Dementia, an atypical form of Parkinson’s. I rely on Philicia’s knowledge, attention to detail, and problem solving skills to make sure he does not suffer skin breakdowns, falls, etc. Equally important is Herb’s nourishment and hydration. This is particularly challenging given his difficulties swallowing. Philicia’s combined attentiveness and patience result in her being able to get him to eat and drink more than anyone. 

In addition to these hard skills, Philicia has the ability to empathize with Herb as a person who has lost so much of his former physical and intellectual self. She routinely incorporates “stretching exercises” in Herb’s daily rituals that maintain his strength and flexibility and prolong his ability to walk when in his mobile life. I routinely hear Philicia talking softly to Herb and encouraging him to raise his arms or bend his legs to “aid” in bathing and dressing. When he can’t do this by himself, she assists him with an arm stretch or leg bend. He takes pride in his ability to walk, even if he is totally dependent on the lift.

Herb’s increasing dementia has been particularly devastating, given that he was a highly engaged intellectual, researcher, and professor for over 40 years. His verbal output is limited and often incomprehensible. But Philicia always treats Herb as if he were cognitively whole. She responds sensitively to unintelligible statements, laughs when Herb’s smiled indicates he’s making a joke, and engages him in conversation by asking about things he is likely to remember. Herb enjoys listening to music, particularly jazz, and Philicia found she can entice him to talk about some of the jazz records he produced in the 1950s.

Philicia always begins her shift with a warm, “Hi Herb! How are you?” This greeting is accompanied by a dazzling smile that brings sunshine to his room and a smile to his face. When the shift ends, she comments on positive aspects of his day and tells Herb when she will return. I know Philicia’s caring attitude means a lot to Herb, because he frequently says, “Well, I wish you didn’t have to go.” But she reassures him that he is in good hands with me and her replacement, and tells him when she will be back.

I also want to tell the committee how much Philicia’s presence has meant to me. My situation is hardly unique. Nevertheless, as Herb’s primary caregiver for over three years, I can only describe the experience as isolating. And not matter how well-meaning family and friends are, they simply cannot relate to or comprehend the complexities involved. Only someone who has been there and done that can know. Although it is not her job to take care of me, Philicia is clearly concerned about my well-being. I trust her implicitly and when she is here, I feel free to do things outside of the home. Her presence is a huge stress reliever for me.

This award would mean a great deal to Philicia on many levels. Until recently, Philicia was going to school part-time to complete pre-requisites to enter a nursing program, but she had to postpone her studies due to limited finances. She is highly motivated to complete a nursing degree and this scholarship would help her pursue her goal. Finally, your recognition that she is truly an exceptional BrightStar employee would mean the world to her – recognition that, in my eyes, she deserves and has earned.

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Caregiver of the Year – Joyce Bruhn (Huntington Beach, CA office)

Joyce Bruhn

It takes a most exceptional individual to provide care for the living…and the dying. Joyce Bruhn is just such an exceptional human being.

When I first met our mutual client John in February 2011 he was mourning the passing of his wife of many decades only weeks before. John’s neighbor and wife had valiantly and selflessly been trying to provide care for John and his wife prior to her passing, but were now finding the task daunting. John, legally blind, with diminished hearing and multiple medical maladies needed more care and supervision than they could manage while still continuing their own jobs and lives.

As soon as I was retained as a professional fiduciary to coordinate John’s care, I called my respected colleague Ardy Azhir and described the situation to him. I told him John wanted a female caregiver and it would take a strong individual to work with John. After the initial assessment Ardy quickly matched John with Joyce, and a very special love-story began. Joyce had such compassion for John and gave much more of her time and concern than she ever billed for…I’m sure. She was psychologist, grief counselor, cook, driver and mostly “friend” to John as she helped him deal with the loss of his wife and the loss of his own independence.

We began an intensive several months of getting John’s medical issues addressed since he had not cared for himself during the prior two years as his wife was seriously ill. John had a diabetic toe wound that was not healing, he had arterial blockages in his neck and leg so weekly visits had to be done for wound care. Joyce encouraged John every step of the way as these appointments were often horrifically painful and the waiting time in crowded waiting rooms seemed interminable. But, Joyce just kept finding light and humorous ways to engage John and help the time pass.

But, despite all the valiant efforts of medical professionals and caregivers, John’s life took a turn for the worse after his major surgery on 7 June. He rallied for a couple days: Joyce was there in the hospital with him. And, then he declined quickly. Joyce was there with him. And, she brought with her to the hospital on Sunday, 12 June, her laptop. She found a big band music station and filled the hospital room with the music John loved so much. And, as she left the hospital room shortly before John passed, she hugged him and whispered something in his ear…I have no doubt she told him she loved him with the enormous heart that only a caregiver can have.

Joyce made the last months, weeks, days, hours and minutes of John’s life the best they could possibly be…he trusted her completely and smiled so broadly as soon as he heard her voice. Joyce was John’s caregiver of the year! She should also be BrightStar’s caregiver of the year!

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Caregiver of the Year Finalist – Debbie Glaze (Chesapeake, VA office)

Debbie Glaze

After our 94-year-old mother, Mabel R. Hirschbiel, took a bad fall and broke her “good” leg in May of 2010, it quickly became clear that she would be unable to return to her apartment in the independent living section at Westminster Canterbury, and would be moving permanently to the “skilled nursing” area. Always fiercely self-reliant and strong-minded, Mom was frustrated and frightened that she was no longer ambulatory, and needed – for the first time in her life – to totally depend on others to help her. Although the care at WC is excellent, the staff can only do so much serving multiple residents, and mom’s health – mental and physical – began to decline significantly. She became increasingly depressed and easily agitated. So, we called in professional help – BrightStar.

From the initial interview, Michael Walton was very keyed into Mom’s personality and her particular needs. He suggested Debbie Glaze as a potential CNA for Mom; however, she was not immediately available. Somehow, all fell into place, and Debbie started with our Mom late in August 2010. Debbie now works six hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year with Mom, and has definitely contributed to her greatly improved outlook on life, and her continued robust health, minus her ability to walk. Debbie is totally devoted to creating the best possible quality of life for our very demanding mother. I should explain that Mabel is extremely concerned with her hair looking just right, having on a completely coordinated outfit at all times, including jewelry, and putting on her “Revlon” each day. So in addition to helping Mom maintain her meticulous appearance, Debbie manages to be a patient, vigilant, and loving caregiver, who attends to her every need, while constantly encouraging her to explore her maximum capabilities. She has become Mom’s closest friend and confidant and runs interference at a moment’s notice. Debbie takes her to church, to the doctors and is the number 2 call after us in any emergency situation. They are always outside in the garden, doing some sort of volunteer activity around WC, or on an outing to the ice cream parlor.

As a result, Mom’s sense of humor shines through in a way we’ve not seen in over 25 years, since she was caring for our Dad as he became detached with dementia, and ultimately passed away. I’ve also included a photo of Mom at Halloween where she really “let her hair down,” to entertain the other residents. I’ve been her daughter-in-law for 27 years, and I have never seen it in any style but up in a French twist.

We have been witness to a transformation. As her legs and body weakened in her late 80s and her mobility lessened, Mom became increasingly housebound and cantankerous and still refused outside help. The move from her apartment after the fall to the nursing home added to her confusion and agitation, and we thought we’d only have her for a short time. Debbie’s continual presence and calm, dependable demeanor have permitted Mom to relax and smell the roses once again, and Debbie has allowed her the dignity of looking beautiful, and having the choice about her daily activities. She is happier than she’s ever been. Thank you for bringing Debbie into our lives.

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Caregiver of the Year Finalist – Pauline Hayes (Hartford, CT office)

Pauline Hayes

Our caregiver began her association with our family on April 9, 2011 for our mother. She established an early rapport with her as well as with the family and friends. She became part of our family. We heard her state “I work from the heart. I will are for your mother as I would care for my own mother.” In the weeks and months to follow, we learned that this was not an empty promise. Her actions proved to us that this is a credo by which she lives.

Among her outstanding qualities are:

• Compassion, a sense of humor. She and our mother quickly developed an early camaraderie, responsible dedication to completing tasks, and going beyond what is required. Patience and a gentle demeanor, yet she can also be firm when necessary – operating always in our mother’s best interest, concern for her client’s well-being and working tirelessly to ensure a safe, comfortable haven for our mother.
• In terms of the physical environment, she keeps the house extremely clean; she prepares delicious, healthy meals and also encourages physical activity. She is meticulous about our mother’s personal cleanliness.
• She accompanies us to all of her doctors’ appointments and she handles prescribed treatments in a professional manner. She is truly dedicated to our mother. She is an exceptional ally, competent woman who personifies the “care” part of “caregiver.”

We believe that the BrightStar organization is fortunate to have her as an employee, and we are blessed to have her in our lives. We are proud to commend and recommend her. She is most deserving to be named BrightStar’s “Caregiver of the Year!”

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Caregiver of the Year Finalist – Cynthia Cook (Colorado Springs, CO office)

Cynthia Cook

Cynthia Cook provides 24-hour care for my aunt, Penelope Dean*, 3 days each week. She spends 72 hours a week with Aunt Penelope and does everything for her. She is always positive, gentle, and caring. The things she does which make my aunt so happy are:

• Cooks homemade, gourmet meals.
• Waters her flowers and plants, and brings fresh flowers to her bedside at all times.
• Watches old movies with her and encourages her to read, write and paint.
• Fixes her hair and dresses her daily in attractive clothing.
• Brings her therapy dog, Chewie, to spend time with Aunt Penelope, which thrills her.

Cynthia loves my aunt and threats her with respect at all times. Aunt Penelope is difficult to care for as she can’t walk and is completely incontinent. She also has some dementia and a myriad of physical health issues. Since Cynthia has been caring for her the past year, Aunt Penelope is better and much happier. She looks forward to the days Cynthia is there. My aunt is alone in Colorado Springs as our family lives in other states. She is happiest in her home and because of the care Cynthia provides, we want her to stay there as long as possible – as she does not want to leave Colorado and the mountains. Cynthia deserves special recognition for the excellent care she provides my Aunt Penelope. She is an angel!

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Caregiver of the Year ’11 – Patrick Hoehn (McHenry, IL office)

Patrick Hoehn

It is difficult to put into words what our caregiver means to us. His primary goal is to help his clients do whatever they cannot do themselves or to assist them in what they can.

Besides ADLs, he takes special care of my husband’s shower safety, foot care, diabetic care, doctor’s and brace appointments. He takes him to exercise in a warm pool. He cooks, cleans, does laundry, takes care of our dog, shopping, helps cut the grass, helps plow the snow – so many things. He stacks the logs by the door in the winter so we can keep warm by our fireplace all winter long, he helps in the summer/spring with the garden, spreading mulch, landscaping, planting trees and plants, trimming trees, gardening, watering, planting and weeding. He helps my husband clean the basement so he can maneuver around better in his wheelchair, and he cleans out the garage so cars can fit in. He washes windows, power washes the deck and sidewalks, works with my husband to fix and repair cars, lawnmowers, tools, computers, golf carts – just about anything that needs to be worked on. He has patched walls where the wheelchair put holes, he has painted the chips in our cabinets to make our house look so much nicer. He did a huge job by drywalling our garage. He works with my husband doing all the work my husband cannot do.

He helps us with our elderly parents who live far from us by doing repairs that my husband cannot do anymore. He helps us with our rental home – one day he actually switched days on a moment’s notice because we had a flood in our rental home and needed to go there quickly.

My husband has the knowledge of fixing and repairing and building everything. Since his legs were crushed in between a car and a truck over 30 years ago, he has regressed to the point of not being able to use his shoulders due to bone-on-bone contact. So besides his legs’ disabilities and deformities, it’s difficult to accomplish most tasks independently.

Our caregiver comes over with such a positive attitude and understanding of my husband’s needs. We are so lucky to have him come to our home 3-4 times per week. He reassures his clients they anytime they need him, he would be here, even if it was not his scheduled day. We feel safer having him in our lives. He has gone over and above the call of his duties. I will explain one example, besides all of the above that I have listed.

For 30 years, we have the materials for a shed to be built and my husband has never been able to build it. Our caregiver and my husband sat together and designed plans, gathered the materials we had and also shopped around together for the rest of the necessary items they needed.

This project is huge, but gives my husband a way to feel as if he is accomplishing a project that he could have done very easily before his accident. His caregiver is his “arms and legs.” He listens and does things “my husband’s way.” He never complains, he always has a positive, caring attitude and works diligently and hard. Each day, he comes into our home with respect, professionalism, and most importantly, as a friend and companion. He understands the importance of treating my husband as if he is not disabled, that he can accomplish goals even from a wheelchair.

He is always bringing us little gifts, cooking samples, treats and often times they just fun things, like the auto show, fireworks going to restaurants, church, feeding the homeless on Christmas Day, etc.

Having Patrick Hoehn involved in my husband’s and my life has made our life more meaningful and purposeful. He is certainly a “bright star” to us and we nominate him for the 2011 BrightStar Caregiver of the Year.

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Caregiver of the Year ’10 – Tracy Duran (Huntington Beach, CA office)

Tracy Duran

When Tracy Duran came into our lives our world had turned upside down. My husband Jim had been in intensive care for too many days and was finally returning home and we needed help. The good Lord must have been watching over us because He sent us Tracy. From the day she arrived she became a part of our family. I wasn’t sure what a “caregiver” would do but I knew we needed someone to help us. Tracy arrived and just wrapped us in her love and has taken care of us ever since. It has been over a year and I am having trouble thinking of the one thing that stands out so I need to talk about so many things she has done for us.

There have been so many times when I needed someone just to talk with about the struggles Jim was having and how I could help him – and Tracy was there for those discussions. She arrives at 8:30 most days and brings such a flood of sunshine and cheer into our home that it makes every day a better day. She has worked with Jim to help him become stronger, she has assisted in arranging for special equipment for his care, she has found suppliers for the special foods and drinks he needed, and she has made life work for us.

I remember a time early in the morning when I awoke and discovered that Jim had walked down to the living room and had fallen down. I called Tracy and she said – “I will be right there” and sure enough she was there very quickly. We both helped Jim get up and tended to his injuries. But I also remember how I felt knowing she was there and that I could call her and she would come right away. It was amazing!!!

Tracy is a wonderful cook and as Jim began to feel better she and Jim had a baking day together each week. They look in cookbooks for special recipes, we gather the ingredients, and then the fun begins. Tracy bought Jim a Chef’s Hat and wrote CHEF SULLY on it for Jim to wear and they began their baking events! She would take a photo or two or three with her cell phone and send them to me so I could be a part of the joy that was happening right there in our kitchen.

In addition to taking care of Jim preparing wonderful meals, taking care of our little dog Zippy (who loves her to pieces and goes crazy every morning when he hears her car drive up!), Tracy takes care of me. Part of care giving has to be to find a way to impart to the spouse or family member that they can be comfortable knowing their loved one is loved and being cared for, and another part is finding a way for us (me) to not be guilty because I can’t be there myself to do all the things that need to be done. Tracy has found a way to take care of me as well as Jim. She IS part of our family and we would be lost without her.

Jim goes to dialysis three times a week and we work around that schedule, but Tracy will come early, fix him a tasty lunch, take it to dialysis and sit with him while he has his lunch. She also keeps track of his health and makes sure that she gets all the pertinent details discussed with her when he sees a Doctor or even while he is at dialysis and she is there observing. She is being ME!! That is what is so very glorious about Tracy Duran. She is able to come into our home and all of a sudden there are two ME’s there, both loving and caring for Jim.

As I said I could go on and on-thinking of the special moments-the times she has taken Jim for a haircut and then taken a photo because he looked so good. All the time she is thinking of what she can do or say what would make life better for him. And she succeeds!! Oh, my –she does succeed. I watch her sometimes when she is combing Jim’s hair –so wonderful-a little thing but so clearly obvious she cares.

Jim has had several setbacks over the course of the year-he has been in and out of the hospital and every time, Tracy is there not only for Jim but also for me. She has given me the time to be with Jim when I get home at night because she takes care of all the things I used to do-or try to do-and she says to me -“no worries – I’ve done that” when I say I have laundry to do, or cleaning to do, or dishes to do. So in addition to being a God-send to my darling Jim, she is one to me as well.

I would recommend Tracy Duran as not only Caregiver of the year, but Caregiver of our Life!! She is a fantastic, hard working, loving and caring person and deserves a huge amount of recognition. We are so fortunate to have her as part of our family.

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Harold Metellus (Stroudsburg, PA office)

Harold Metellus

I believe the BrightStar family had come to appreciate my husband’s humor. Harold’s patience and humor was such an asset during my husband’s last two months as he took the time to sit and talk with him. Joe always enjoyed sharing stories about his days on the road as a truck driver and Harold gave him full attention. He must have earned my husband’s respect as Harold was able to encourage him to be lifted into the shower, sit outside, and even be lifted into our truck to take a couple rides to visit friends and family. Without Harold’s help I know these events never would have happened.

He acted above and beyond the call of duty around the house even helping to repair the electric window in our truck, and to paint part of the garage door that needed painting. Joe hankered for a BLT sandwich and the next day Harold showed up with one. Joe said to me that Harold had become a good friend. I really wish to express my gratitude for Harold’s sincere concern and care he provided for us.

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Jen Ragan (Tampa, FL office)

Jen Ragan

Jen, as I will call Jennifer Ragan, has been my caregiver for almost 2 years. I have been able to see Jen in every situation in my home and situations in her life. Jen is one of these rare persons that does not let the world around her influence her attitude at work. Jen has that old fashion work ethic that is so rare these days. She does her job and beyond, and if it takes longer then her regular hours she works until the job is done, and done to her specification (which are very high).

Along with this extraordinary work ethic, she is one of the most compassionate persons I have ever met. Jen seems to be able to sense every need before I even know I am going to need it. She not only is able to help with the physical needs she also is able to help with the emotional needs.

Last February, when I was put in the hospital, Jen was with me. She stood by me with my hand in hers and gave me more strength then I can explain. Jen never left my side during her shift. My husband tells me she would call him to see how I was even when she was not scheduled to be with me. Jen personally stayed with me and in two cases saved my life, because of her observance that the nurses had not seen. I can rightfully say I own my life to Jen. I was in the hospital for 16 day, 12 day in ICU; Jen was there for most of this. She explained it to me as she was there as my friend, that being true for part of it, Jen was there taking care of me because of that kind of work ethic and compassion I have mentions above.

Jen sees things that need to be done before I am even aware of them. There is nothing that she will not do.

My husband Jerry is so grateful for all of the help Jen is to our family. He has told me that he is at ease when he knows that Jen is with me. Jen also is sensitive to his needs and make sure he has lunch available since I cannot do it.

Jen is one of these people that if you are lucky enough to meet one in your lifetime, you kneeled down and say a Thank You prayer to God. I feel God has truly blessed me by putting Jen in my life.

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Jeanne Marcinek (Racine, WI office)

Jeanne Marcinek

I received a letter from my local BrightStar Agency regarding nominating a caregiver for special recognition. I was going to do this directly to the agency without being prompted by this letter anyway, so the timing for this is perfect.

My name is Tom Ferraro and I live in Texas. I have worked closely with the BrightStar team in Racine, WI to provide daily in home visits to my elderly mother who is in the mid stages of Dementia. I can’t express in any letter what this quality service has meant to my mom and I. Specifically, the caregiver that has worked almost exclusively with us is Jeanne Marcinek. Jeanne is extremely responsive to my mom’s needs and goes well beyond my expectations on a daily basis.

I began to notice these little extra efforts when calling home to check in with mom. Frequently Jeanne will answer the phone on behalf of my mother with a very cheerful and professional greeting. During the course of our occasional conversations, she has communicated to me details of their special sessions, events, trips and other activities. This has been everything from the simple time spent playing a game or working on a puzzle to taking field trips to pick strawberries or go to the zoo, parks etc. Jeanne is not phased with having to take care of some of the other issues that often times require that extra effort to help make meals, clean up the house or assist mom with the other issues related to her everyday personal needs. My wife and I were amazed in the past when a photo book with mom visiting an orchard and petting zoo along with other pictures was pulled together into a special photo album complete with all the trimmings and detailed explanations of the events. This was mailed to Texas along with a couple Kringles. What a special treat that was to receive that package. I specifically called and thanked Jeanne for the extra effort. I know she appreciated the compliments but pretty much turned it back into what a wonderful time she has taking care of my mom. Wow, it doesn’t get better that that. Recently Jeanne once again indicated that she really is trying to provide the same type of care for mom that she would want for her own mother. Whatever recognition your company has for team members like Jeanne is much appreciated from me. It is clear to me, that this special effort to go beyond her every day job duties is far more than just a job to folks like Jeanne Marcinek.

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