By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Caregivers often go unrecognized for their daily efforts to make life as good as it can be for those aging or ill. So each year, the Wood County Committee on Aging honors paid caregivers who go well beyond typical care, and unpaid caregivers who unselfishly care for a family member or friend.
Earlier this week, a celebration of 19 nominated caregivers was held at the Wood County Senior Center. Three were selected for the top Golden Care Awards.
“With your nurturing, compassion, empathy, respect and mentoring, older adults throughout Wood County are able to remain cared for, loved, respected, honored and are able to live this final chapter with dignity,” the awards program stated.
Kelly Wagner, from Bridge Home Health and Hospice, was recognized in the medical or professional care providers category. Her co-workers talked about Wagner’s efforts to create deep and lasting relationships with her patients. She advocates for her patients, and takes time to listen to them.
“She strives to do the right thing when no one is watching,” one co-worker said.
Wagner has worked eight years with Bridge Home Health and Hospice, where she goes into patient homes and performs assessments and hands-on care.
“Kelly provides quality care by ensuring the patients are safe in their homes, advocating for patients who are not safe in their home, develops care plans and gets other disciplines in the home so the patients can recover quickly,” said Susan Kau, who nominated Wagner. “She has high patient satisfaction scores and good quality outcomes for home health. Kelly does an excellent job educating patients and families on how to manage their health conditions with the hope of keeping the patient out of the hospital. She is caring and compassionate to her patients.”
A former patient of Wagner’s shared that, “Kelly went out of her way to bring me delicious fair food on her day off because she knew I really wanted to go but couldn’t get there on my own. She’s great.”
The spouse of a former patient said, “Kelly provided excellent education on how to do my husband’s I.V. antibiotic,” answering all of their questions about the infusions. “We wish she could always come to our home.”
Crystal Huff, of Briar Hill Health Campus, was recognized in the support staff category. Her co-workers said Huff works very hard to make a difference in residents’ lives. She is willing to help “any person, any time.”
Huff has worked at Briar Hill since 2004, according to Amber Morris, who nominated her for the award.
“Crystal works with purpose on a daily basis to ensure our residents, their families, and our staff feel loved and appreciated,” Morris said. “She is the first one to jump to action when something needs attention.
Huff doesn’t focus only on housekeeping tasks. She is known for making special meals or treats for the residents, working in the courtyards, watering the residents’ plants, and spending quality time with the residents.
“She is the first one to offer to wear a fun costume for a theme meal or special event. There is never a dull moment with her,” the nomination stated.
“Her servant’s heart shows through with her famous soup sale. It is a big hit in the community and one of our biggest fundraisers every fall. She is up in the wee hours of the morning prepping vegetables and making sure her homemade soups are nothing short of delicious,” Morris said.
During some of the most stressful times as caregivers during COVID, Huff was credited with working endlessly, instructing her team and educating the staff on how to sanitize and clean to try to limit the spread of illness. Room moves and deep cleans were done with her leading the charge.
“Our campus could not have made it through that trying time without her leadership and servant heart,” Morris said. “Putting others first is truly what makes her so deserving of this award.”
Rita Trumbull was recognized for performing the role of a community caregiver. Her daughter, Jennifer Morlock, told of Trumbull’s steadfast care of her husband of 64 years, Ron Trumbull.
Morlock said her father suffered with serious health issues – heart failure, back injuries, diabetes, neuropathy and kidney disease – for 20 years.
“My mother was so caring and compassionate,” Morlock said.
Rita Trumbull learned every diabetic recipe possible, and rid the house of items her husband shouldn’t eat.
“It was always Dad first,” Morlock said. Her mom was an example of how “unconditional love conquers all.”
“She is a simple person, an individual who throughout her entire life has put the feelings and needs of others above her own,” Morlock said. “She has a caring spirit, is a silent giver who needs no recognition, and prefers to be in the background making things happen, all for the good of others.”
“Her positive way of offering support and care to her husband Ron is a prime example of all that is good in our world,” her daughter said. “Rita stood strong, filled prescriptions, aided Ron in doctor’s appointments, surgeries, hospital stays, prepared meals, planned special outings, attended numerous workshops to learn how to give him proper care, and provided love and support that could move mountains.”
Her husband died in January of this year.
“She gave Ron her heart and never let one day go by without him feeling cared for and unconditionally loved. As we all know, this is no easy task, but Rita charged ahead each and every day no matter what struggle she would encounter,” Morlock said. “Rita shows us how we can change the world one life at a time.”
