West Region
Bobbie Holdsclaw, Home Health Aide
Roseburg, OR
"Bobbie modifies every approach to the patient's needs – things we take for granted become an important part of the healing process."
One of Bobbie's patients was recovering from wounds and receiving home health care. More than anything in the world, the patient wanted to be able to take a shower. Knowing how important those small acts of independence can be, Bobbie worked with the occupational therapist and patient to come up with a solution that allowed the patient to reach her goal. Besides physically assisting patients, Bobbie believes strongly in PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) and has become an advocate for patients who need it. She installs the units, completes all paperwork, reminds clinicians of important deadlines and even fixes units that are having issues. Bobbie makes the PERS process work seamlessly.
Midwest Region
Linda Shelton, Home Health Aide
Albany, KY
"Linda is a jewel all of her own, she has a smile as bright as her soul!"
Linda Shelton worked in a shirt factory for many years before she decided to make a change and become a home health aide. She truly believes in the work that she does and her co-workers have many examples during the 16 years she has worked for Amedisys of the care she's given from the heart. From comforting a patient over the loss of a family member while going through her own personal grief to making sure a diabetic patient had regular meals, Linda treats every patient with the upmost respect. Many times she has been the only aide working for her care center and has carried the load of two or three people without a word of complaint. People have actually called looking for the Linda Shelton home health care center.
Northeast Region
Kari Hickey, Home Health Aide
Toledo, OH
"Kari is truly someone I would want to take care of me or one of my family members."
When Kari Hickey knocked on her patient's door, she knew something was wrong. This particular patient always answered right away. She knocked again and called the office to ask them to call the home. No answer. Finally, she called 911 and asked the police to get inside. They found the patient in the bathroom barely conscious. Kari immediately ran over to cover the patient and keep her calm while the paramedics did their work. The patient – and the ER doctors – credit Kari for saving her life. She always goes above and beyond what is expected of her, whether it's for a patient or her care center.
Southeast Region
Theresa McCullough, Home Health Aide
Denton, TX
"Theresa is a caregiver - that is what she considers her role in life. She has taken in numerous children in her life, nurturing and raising them to be well-rounded, productive adults."
Many times a patient can have a whole different outlook when personal hygiene isn't something he or she has to worry about. Theresa helps many of her patients feel good about their appearance. One bedbound patient was no longer able to get to her bathroom to wash her hair. Theresa managed to wash her hair in the bed every visit, along with styling it. She would rub her from head to toe with lotion which made such a difference in how the patient would feel on the days Theresa visited. In the final weeks of the patient's life, Theresa made the patient feel clean, comfortable and wonderful. Not only does she improve the lives of her patients, she has also helped nurture and raise nieces, nephews and grandchildren as well as taking in her stepfather and becoming his primary caregiver until he passed away.