Willie Graham, STNA at Care 360 Hospice
It is always wonderful to receive multiple nominations for the same person. It just reinforces that amazing people work in hospice. When we received the nomination for Williemae Graham, I called her nominator (Lynley Ledger) to tell her that she was not the first person to nominate Willie. Of course, Lynley was delighted and, having nominated previous co-workers, knew exactly what to do to make arrangements for us to come and surprise Williemae.
In front of a group of her peers, Willie said, “This gift basket does not just belong to me – it belongs to all of us. Working in hospice with these patients and their families is a calling, and we all heard that call.” Yes, Willie, people work in hospice care because they want to work in hospice care. And amazing hospice caregivers like you deserve to be recognized for the wonderful work you do.
Here is what Lynley had to say about Williemae:
"There are many aspects and disciplines of hospice work. The one we feel is the least appreciated, but has the most interaction with patients is a hospice aide. That patient is losing the ability to eat, drink, and take care of themselves, but it is the aide who cleans them up; makes them feel better by providing personal care and is truly the heart of any hospice program. At the heart of the heart of caregiving is our aide, Williemae (Willie) Graham. Not only does she know her patients (from their heads to their toes,) she goes out of her way to provide whatever they need. She showers, shaves, washes hair, braids hair, feeds and companions her patients. All day long. She never complains. She also ensures that no one dies alone. Including, but not limited too - coming in at 3 a.m. to sit bedside with her patients as they are actively dying. Then, switching gears at daylight to put in a full day's work caring for patients on her schedule. Never misses a beat.
Recently, during a snowstorm where up to 8 inches of snow fell in central Ohio, Willie rescheduled her husband's birthday party to sit bedside with one of her patients. Their family was not able to be there due to the snow, and she wanted to be sure they were not alone. She graciously changed her plans to make sure that patient was cared for. Every family member or patient who meets Willie agrees she is the best of the best. If heaven is missing an angel, we are certain it is Willie Graham. We would love to nominate Willie as the hospice caregiver award."
Congratulations Williemae. You truly exemplify what it means to be a Hospice Caregiver.
If you know someone like Willie who deserves recognition as an amazing caregiver, please nominate them here on our website. It takes just a few minutes to tell their story.