November 4, 2003

SIU Med School Honors Local Health Care Givers

Three central Illinois health care givers have been honored for their service to patients with dementia by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. The individuals were selected because of their commitment to care giving, particularly the emphasis each places on making residents feel important, cared for and worthwhile.

Carol Clennon of Decatur, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at the Eastern Star Home in Macon, has been named CNA of the Year 2003 by SIU. Clennon was selected because her nominators said, "She cares for the residents as if they were part of her own family. She can calm an agitated resident just with her presence. Numerous residents seek her out because she is so good to them. They trust her and they sense her good nature and sincerity." Two runners-ups named are Nancy Jean of Odell, a CNA at the Evenglow Inn in Pontiac, and Debbie Bigger of Wyoming, a CNA at the Toulon Health Care Center in Toulon.

The outstanding health care givers were chosen from a field of 25 nominees by a 10-member judging panel.

This year's presentation marks the fifth year for the award, which is given by the School's Alzheimer Center to recognize outstanding care provided by CNAs to people with dementia. The awards were presented at the conclusion of the School's fifth annual conference for CNAs and in-home health aides, which was held last month in Springfield. The conference was sponsored by the School's Alzheimer Center and the Dementia Caregivers Network, Education and Training Focus Group.

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