Friday, September 6, 2013

Stephen is Waterford’s CAREGiver of the Year



Stephen Cowman was announced as the overall winner of Waterford’s Home Instead Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Stephen will now go on to represent Waterford in the national final which will take place at the Home Instead Senior Care National convention on Saturday, 5th October.

A Waterford native, Stephen, who is relatively new to the caring profession, was a popular choice amongst his clients, colleagues and the panel of judges, which comprised of the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr. John Cummins, Hazel Daniels, former Director of Nursing at WRH and Marie Cummins, Waterford Hospice Fundraising Chairperson.

Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, was delighted that Stephen was recognised for his hard work and dedication.  “Stephen has made a big impact since he joined our team in 2011 and has established himself as an integral part of the lives of our clients.”

“Stephen’s clients were so complimentary and couldn’t sing his praises highly enough.  He is a cheerful CAREGiver and has shown all along that caring is not just a job to him but a passion and he always gives 110% to his clients.”

“He is happy to take on challenging cases and has been very successful in making great changes in some very difficult cases. Stephen really has helped his clients enjoy a new lease of life”, Danette added.

Now in its third year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Marie Cummins, Adjudicator, “The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised.  The decision was a difficult one to make as there are so many dedicated and compassionate carers in the city and county.  Each and every one of them has brought something good to the lives of their clients, be it helping with the day to day chores, taking them to the library or GP or simply offering companionship, which can mean so much to those without family or friends close by.”

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the longest service award, the CAREGiver Award for the CAREGiver who is currently a Student and Length of Service Pins were presented to 44 recipients.

A former client of Home Instead Senior Care, well known entertainer and Waterford Person of the Year, Denny Corcoran was present on the evening and his daughter, Anne, gave an emotional and candid account of how the care Denny received made his days brighter and gave his family peace of mind.

“As a family we never had to worry when the Home Instead CAREGivers were present with Dad, our minds were always at ease.”

“I think it was proof enough that Dad was happy and comfortable with his carers when he was asked to be Grand Marshall for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and he chose Charlie, his carer, to accompany him.  As the saying goes, ‘we were blown out’”, Anne recalled.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver awards or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Danette Connolly of Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie



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