Local caregiver wins national award

At a restaurant table full of jokes, laughter and easy conversation, Katherine McMullen is, well, speechless.

“I have no words,” said McMullen, with a beaming smile, “I’m just so blessed.”

John Montgomery congratulates Katherine McMullen on her award.
John Montgomery congratulates Katherine McMullen on her selection as Caregiver of the Year.

The recent party at Buca di Beppa in Exton, Pa. is in McMullen’s honor, as she has been named Caregiver of the Year for 2014 by the Always Best Care national franchise. Nominated by her employer, Always Best Care Senior Services of Chester County, McMullen was chosen from 180 nominees from around the U.S. The award recognizes a caregiver who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the delivery of superior care to clients and their families.

Always Best Care Senior Services of Chester County provides free assisted-living placement services and in-home, non-medical home care to seniors who need compassionate companionship and help with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, visits to the doctor and medical testing, or routine errands.

As the top prizewinner in the national franchise, McMullen received $500, an engraved trophy, and an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the Always Best Care national meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

“We are so proud of Katherine and this national recognition, but of course we’re not surprised. We work with Katherine and observe first-hand her deep devotion to our senior clients,” noted John Montgomery, owner of Always Best Care Senior Services of Chester County (ABC-CC).

“Our clients love her,” he added, “as she continually goes above and beyond, working holidays and weekends, in order to provide seniors and their families with the best care possible.”

The Caregiver of the Year award is based on a series of criteria, including...

·  The caregiver exemplifies extraordinary commitment to clients and their families

·  The caregiver shows compassion, empathy and respect in the delivery of care to clients and families

·  The caregiver acknowledges and meets the unique physical, emotional and practical needs of clients and their families

·  The caregiver has been available and enthusiastically steps in when needed due to absence of 
other caregivers or unanticipated demand

At McMullen’s party, the conversation took on a gently teasing tone as her husband, Hank McMullen, told the group how his wife reacts with excitement when she is called in to provide in-home senior care. 
“When that phone rings, she just jumps! I know who she just talked to when she gets off and says, ‘I gotta go, I gotta go!’” he said with a broad smile.

McMullen is known for handling new cases on short notice, filling in for other caregivers at times that would inconvenience the rest of us, and establishing warm relationships even with the most challenging clients.

John Montgomery believes Katherine’s sincere devotion is what earned her the Caregiver of the Year award.

“When I nominated Katherine, I just sat down and wrote about all the times Katherine has come through for our clients, how she cares about and for each client as an individual, and how she always has energy for more. I believe it was the passion we all feel for Katherine that came through,” John said.

On a regular basis, Katherine handles a sizeable caseload of six ABC-CC clients, and she also cares for her in-laws, who are in their 70s and both undergoing cancer treatment. Despite those family commitments and the terrible weather last winter, McMullen never missed a client appointment.

“I have a truck, and I would just go. Sometimes I would have to park it and walk the rest of the way. But I know those people are counting on me,” she said.

Having just celebrated her first anniversary with ABC-CC, Katherine has a long history of being a care provider in group homes for a decade before joining ABC-CC. She has received extensive training in areas such as Dementia, Senior Living Care, and caring for Disabled and Special Needs persons.

“I love what I do because the people I care for look forward to having me in their homes. I love being with them and communicating with them. I especially love the connection I feel with seniors,” she said.

Now the McMullens are looking forward to an expenses-paid trip to San Antonio next May. Katherine McMullen said she plans to take a ride on a riverboat, tour the Alamo, and eat out in nice restaurants. She will enjoy the break from caregiving, but her clients will not be far from her thoughts.

“I have their pictures on my phone,” she said as she turned to share the photos with the other ABC-CC staff and well-wishers.

For more information on ABC-CC, contact Judith Lee at judithlee@epix.net or www.communicationworksnow.com.

 

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...

Comments

comments

Leave a Reply