VNA Care Network & Hospice Honors Family Caregivers
Throughout the course of their daily work, VNA Care Network staff observe many compassionate and devoted individuals who are committed to caring for a relative or friend. With support and hands-on assistance from VNA Care Network & Hospice personnel, these caregivers make it possible for someone who is sick, frail, or disabled to remain at home.
VNA Care Network established the Caregiver's Extra Mile Award several years ago to recognize these individuals and families who have gone above and beyond expectations in caring for a loved one. This year, awards were presented to Benita Diatchenko of Brookline, Mary Duff of Peabody, Robert Hanks of Leominster, and the Reidy Family of Shrewsbury.
BENITA DIATCHENKO
Benita Diatchenko turned her daughter Iveta's terminal illness into a celebration of life.
Iveta moved back into her mother's home during the last months of her life. VNA Care Hospice, which provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the terminally ill and their families, joined Benita in helping Iveta make the most of her final days.
When it was clear that Iveta would not live to see her 40th birthday, Benita planned an early surprise party attended by more than 40 people. A hospice nurse present at that occasion later remarked, "I can still picture the joy on Iveta's face being surrounded by so much love."
Benita was at her daughter's side day and night during their last week together. The nurse added, "Even through the incredible pain (of losing her daughter), Benita was still able to find humor and laugh with her daughter during those last days. I am amazed by Benita's unconditional love and her incredible inner strength."
MARY DUFF
A typical day in the life of Mary Duff includes four 20-mile trips to her mother Rosalie's home. Mary provides personal care, homemaking, and meal preparation and also acts as her 95-year-old mother's health care advocate and financial advisor.
VNA Care Network assists in Rosalie's care by providing home care aides who offer personal care and other services.
Staff say Mary is always positive, and tells them, "Mom took care of me, and now it's my turn to take care of her."
When her daughter needs help with child care, Mary just brings the toddler along for a visit with her great-grandmother. Mary's caregiving responsibilities don't end with her mother and granddaughter, however, as she also has a daughter with Down's syndrome.
ROBERT HANKS
When Robert Hanks' wife Madeline suffered a stroke many years ago, he was advised to put her in a nursing home. However, Bob was determined to keep Madeline at home, and, with little assistance from others, lovingly provided the care she needed so the couple could stay together.
Madeline was diagnosed with cancer, and Bob continued to stay by her side, giving more and more care as she became weaker. VNA Care Hospice became Bob's partner in care during this difficult time.
One of the hospice staff observed that "Bob's primary concern was Madeline's comfort, and he did everything in his power to achieve this. He was tireless in his care of her, patient and loving, and always maintained a sense of humor. ...It was an honor to witness the deep love and devotion of this couple."
REIDY FAMILY
Carol Reidy spent 20 years of her nursing career with VNA Care Network, providing compassionate care in the homes of the very sick and needy. Her colleagues say she not only took great pride in the care she gave her patients, but also in her family — husband Robert and children Susan, Patricia, Kathleen, Timothy, James, and Sharon.
When Carol became ill and stopped working about one year ago, her coworkers at VNA Care Network saw why she's so proud of her family. Staff describe the Reidy family as "tireless in their quest to advocate on her behalf and have the best possible care and plan in place."
Robert and Susan give much of Carol's day-to-day care with help from the rest of the family and VNA Care Network's home health services, such as nursing. A staff member observed, "The care and devotion that Carol gave to her patients and family over the many years have come back to reward her with wonderful care and devotion provided by the Reidy clan."
Posted: July 6, 2002