Nomination Letter

It is with great pleasure that I am writing to recommend Jeanne McCutcheon as BrightStar’s Caregiver of the Year. Jeanne has been our caregiver, and a part of our family for almost four years now. Jeanne is a caregiver to my mother, who is now 92, and has dementia. She has become our dear friend, and companion. When Jeanne arrives in the morning, everyone runs to meet her, the cat Sami, the dog Winnie, and when Mom wakes up, she gives Jeanne a great big smile because she is so happy to see her! That makes me happy too. Mom has a stubborn streak. When she makes up her mind on something, you might as well forget trying to change it. Like the idea of wearing adult diapers, no way she would do it for me. But when Jeanne called them “panties”, well, that didn't seem so bad. And I was the only one that my Mom ever allowed to shower her, until Jeanne stepped in and worked her magic. Showers have become “spa day” and my Mom gets her hair done and she feels so pretty. It’s all in the approach. All these things may seem small, but when you live with someone who needs 24 hour care, these little things add up. We need all the help we can get. My Mom has lost her appetite. Nothing sounds good to her, except sweets! For breakfast, Jeanne pulls the grapes off the bunch for her and arranges them on the plate. She has figured out that if the food is easy to eat, my Mom will eat it. At lunch Jeanne makes her a protein shake with ice cream, and she mixes it by hand, just like in an old time soda shop. It’s such a treat, she makes it fun and my Mom loves it. Jeanne spoils her. Jeanne makes Mom’s day the best it can be. Sometimes they sing, sometimes Mom tells stories, or they look at photo albums. They used to write Mom’s life story, back when Mom could still remember. I cherish the memories Jeanne recorded for me, they are my Momma’s words. Do you know anyone who has socks for every outfit and every Holiday? Socks are Mom and Jeanne’s thing. Jeanne loves to dress Miss Sue in coordinating socks, the wilder the better. And Miss Sue loves the compliments she gets. Anything to tickle Miss Sue, and Jeanne is in on it! Jeanne has taught me about dementia, about caregivers, and about life. People with dementia still have feelings…when you care for them 24/7, and you are constantly cleaning up their messes and dealing with their issues, and well you get tired and you can lose sight of this. Jeanne helps me remember, and to see the beauty that is still there and that will always be there. Jeanne reminds me that I need to take care of myself. A lesson that I am still learning. Caregivers shouldn't have to feel guilty for taking time for themselves…I thank you for that lesson Jeanne. Did I mention that I have such a secure feeling when I know Jeanne is there with my Mom? I trust her so implicitly to make sure my precious Mother is safe and secure. I don’t have to worry at all. That feeling cannot be quantified, and honestly there is no better reason to recommend someone as Caregiver of the Year? We love you Jeanne!