Caregivers honored at luncheon
Honor: Pat Lake, caregiver education coordinator for AAA9, is pictured with Kimberly Wilson who was named the Coshocton County Caregiver of the Year during a luncheon held Oct. 9, at Raven’s Glenn. Beacon photo by Josie Sellers
COSHOCTON – Kimberly Wilson’s first Coshocton County Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon was an extra special one.
Wilson, who is currently caring for her great-aunt was named the 2015 Coshocton County Caregiver of the Year at the luncheon held Oct. 9, at Raven’s Glenn and organized by the Area Agency on Aging Region 9.
“I want to thank my aunt (Pamela Adams) for nominating me,” she said. “This is great and really appreciated.”
Adams explained in her nomination letter that Wilson cared for her grandparents before they passed away and then took on the responsibility of caring for two great-aunts. One of them just recently passed away, but Kim is still caring for the other one who is now 91-years-old. Other nominees for the award were April Kise who takes care of her mother and Samuel Wyler who was a caregiver to his late wife.
“We present this award to bring attention to what caregivers do,” said Laurel DuBeck, RN from AAA9. “The winner isn’t chosen because they are the best caregiver, but because their story best shows what a caregiver goes through every day.”
This was the 10th year for the luncheon, which is for unpaid caregivers and a guest.
“We also invite people back for two years after the person they are caring for has passed away,” DuBeck said. “We do that for fellowship and so the former caregiver can offer support to others and let them know that they will be ok after their loved one passes on.”
Mary Mossman had been to the lunch as a caregiver and was back today as a guest.
“I cared for my mom for 14 years and my husband for eight,” she said. “This is a great way to recognize people who take care of others. It’s nice, really nice.”
Denver Kirker and his sister Janie Cox, who both help take care of their mother, had never been to the lunch before and were hoping to learn something new.
“It can be stressful being a caregiver, especially when you know there is nothing you can do to really help,” Kirker said.
In addition to lunch, attendees also were treated to musical entertainment by Jerome James, had the chance to win door prizes and could visit with 18 different vendors, one of which was the Coshocton County Senior Center.
“The time and commitment that caregivers give is amazing,” said Ryan Adams, director of the Coshocton County Senior Center. “They are special people.”
Another resource attendees were informed of at the luncheon was the caregiver support group held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Coshocton Public Library in the small meeting room in the children’s library.
“We get together to encourage and support each other, offer suggestions and sometimes just vent,” said Pat Lake, caregiver education coordinator for AAA9. “You don’t have to register. Just show up anytime.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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