TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 12, 2015) - VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) honoured three caregiving heroes - Fred Heeney of Ingersoll, Dora O'Brien of Oshawa, and Joanne Barker of Pickering - who won this year's Heart of Home Care Award at the not-for-profit's annual award ceremony, held yesterday in Toronto. You can watch their stories here. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of a friend or family member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide a loved one who is disabled, elderly, or chronically ill, with the support needed to live at home with more independence.
"The daily compassion, strength and dedication of each of these caregivers is nothing short of incredible," notes President and CEO of VHA, Carol Annett. "Their journeys remind us that caregiving is a demanding job with lots of challenges that aren't often acknowledged by the outside world. This is VHA's small way of saying 'thank you' to these extraordinary caregivers and also hopefully draws attention to the need for family caregivers," says Annett. "They are the backbone of the health care system."
FRED HEENEY - CAREGIVER TO AN ADULT WINNER
Fred, a retired farmer, is a loving husband and caregiver to his wife of 64 years Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with dementia five years ago. Despite his age - now 85 - Fred has devoted his life to caring for his wife, managing almost all of Elizabeth's personal and medical needs. Instead of looking into long-term care for his wife, Fred decided that home was the best place for Elizabeth. Fred acknowledges caregiving is not an easy task with few rewards and difficult times but adds, "Elizabeth is the love of my life and I wouldn't think of changing anything."
"The look in Fred's eyes, when he looks at Elizabeth is gentle, his voice is cheerful and his soft hands prove him to be a wonderful caregiver and a devoted husband with unconditional love for his wife," says Robin Bryce, who works at the adult day program Elizabeth attends that is run by VON and who also nominated Fred for the award.
DORA O'BRIEN - PARENT CAREGIVER TO AN ADULT
Dora has been a full-time caregiver for her son Kevin for the past 52 years. Kevin was diagnosed at an early age with Fibrodysplasia Ossifican Progressiva (FOP). FOP is a rare disorder in which muscle and connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments are gradually replaced by bone (or become ossified), which forms bone outside the skeleton and constrains movement. Years of FOP have left Kevin with limited mobility and he is unable to sit and must either stand or remain in a lying position.
Despite these challenges and her age (Dora is now 86) she knows that home is the best place for Kevin. Kevin receives personal support care daily for one hour a day, otherwise Dora is Kevin's primary caregiver, supporting his activities of daily living and personal needs including, dressing, toileting, and transferring him in and out of his special bed. Both Dora and Kevin are exceptionally positive. "A lot of my friends say I don't know how you can do it," says Dora "As his needs grow your strength grows along with it. I can't say I am ever bored."
JOANNE BARKER - PARENT CAREGIVER TO A CHILD (UNDER 18) WINNER
Joanne is not only a single working mom of two, she is also full-time caregiver to her 14 year-old-son Christopher who was diagnosed with dystonic cerebral palsy caused by lack of oxygen to the brain at birth. For the past 14 years, Joanne has been Christopher's rock and supporter, advocating for what she knows is best for Christopher. "It's almost like joining a war. You fight for every little thing," says Joanne. "But when they work and you see your child do things that they said never would happen. It's the best feeling in the world!"
Because of Joanne's unwavering love and commitment, Christopher has achieved things others thought he would never be able to do. He attends a regular school, speaks and eats on his own without a G-tube (when doctors insisted it wouldn't happen) and he is an impressive painter. "Christopher is not really the kind of kid you can hold back," says Joanne.
Despite the hardships, many sleepless nights and challenges, Joanne remains positive. "Nobody is going to push him, or love him or drive him as hard as I am going to because I want him to have the best life possible," says Joanne.
About VHA Home HealthCare
VHA Home HealthCare - a not-for-profit, charity - has inspired Ontarians to create possibilities for more independence since 1925. VHA's professional team of over 2,000 caring, compassionate people support clients and their families throughout Ontario and is proudly:
- Accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada.
- An RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designate.
- A founding member agency of United Way Toronto.
This event is possible thanks to sponsors: TELUS, Teak Printing Services, Standard Life and PACE Consulting.
Contact Information:
Pamela Stoikopoulos
Communications Manager
416-489-2500 Ext. 4344
pstoik@vha.ca