October 29, 2007

SIU Med School, Alzheimer’s Association and IDA Honor Local

Health Care Providers

Three central Illinois health care providers have been honored for their service to patients with dementia by the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Illinois Department of Aging.  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.

Jenny Bright of Ashland, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, has been named Caregiver of the Year 2007 by SIU.  “Jenny personalizes each patient’s care by getting to know them and their family members and learning what’s important to both the patient and family.  Each patient knows they have her full attention until all their needs are met.  She often spends time sitting at a bedside, holding a patient’s hand and sharing a prayer.  She encourages the patient in active conversation and genuinely cares about their responses.”

Two runners-up named are Diane Seidel and Kathy Goodman, both of Waterloo, both CNAs at Whispering Pines at Oak Hill in Waterloo.

This year’s presentation marks the ninth year for the award, which is given by SIU’s Alzheimer Center, the Dementia Caregivers Network, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Illinois Department on Aging.  The health care givers were chosen by a judging panel from a group of nominees.

The awards were presented at the conclusion of the School’s ninth annual conference for professional caregivers, which was held this month in Springfield.  The conference was sponsored by the School’s Alzheimer Center, the Dementia Caregivers Network, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Illinois Department on Aging.   

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