Caregiver: William E.

A Caring Champion 2014 Nominee
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Employer: Autumn Leaves of St. Charles

Location: St. Charles, IL

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Inspiration for This Nomination:

Caring for those with dementia requires unwavering patience, skill and understanding. William is a man who not only exemplifies these crucial traits but adds humor, kindness and loyalty. He is dependable and trustworthy. He lives by the Golden Rule and treats everyone with the utmost respect. As a result, he is rewarded with the respect of those he cares for.

Caregiver's Best Skills and Attributes:

Unquestionably, it is William's patience that sets him apart. No matter what type of situation confronts him, he handles it with grace. He has never used a sharp word or spoken in a tone that could be construed as harsh or condescending. This type of attitude is what sets him apart and makes him such an effective caregiver. While all of our residents are dealing with memory loss, none have lost their ability to judge how they are being treated and they all trust William implicitly. Everyone he meets is a friend.

Feedback About This Caregiver:

William is one of those rare caregivers who has never made an enemy. It is not uncommon for dementia patients to become upset or believe they have been "wronged" in some way yet William is able to avoid all negativity and has earned our resident's trust. We have residents who ask for William by name when they require assistance or wonder how he is doing if they haven't seen him for a while. This is extraordinary, considering most of those he cares for are in advanced stages of Alzheimer's Disease.

What Others Have Learned From This Caregiver:

We have all learned, by William's example, to treat each other with respect, to believe that as a team we can accomplish any goal, that kindness and sincerity will solve just about any problem and that dignity must be maintained, no matter the cost. He never shirks his responsibilities and lends a hand whenever it is needed. As one of the few male caregivers in the building, we rely on him and he accepts that role willingly.

More About This Caregiver:

William's dependability is above reproach. He does not own a vehicle and yet manages to be on time for his shifts and other scheduled meetings. He always presents himself as a professional, in both his appearance and demeanor. He is a true team player and a wonderful representative of our community. His calming presence is a crucial component in managing agitated behavior, especially among our male residents. His mature approach to every situation makes him a valuable asset to our community and he will take the gratitude of his colleagues, our residents and our resident's families wherever he goes.

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