The Homecare Assistant staff pose in their new long-sleeved Health Department shirts. The homecare assistants received their shirts at their recent holiday party and staff inservice.
(From Left to Right) Janell Steffen, Director of Home Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and Ruth Baker, Homecare Assistant display an award naming Ruth Baker as the Illinois Homecare and Hospice Council's Outstanding Caregiver. Baker received her award recently at the Illinois Homecare and Hospice Council's Annual Conference held in Chicago.
RUTH BAKER NAMED STATE HOMECARE ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Illinois Homecare and Hospice Council announces that Ruth Baker of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments has been awarded the Council's annual Outstanding Caregiver Award. Baker received her award at the Council's Annual Conference held recently in Chicago.
"Ruth has always been in great demand as a homecare assistant because she has a great work ethic. She rarely misses work for any reason. When others call off work because of snow, Ruth is still out serving her clients if it's at all possible. During the recent blizzard (over 17 inches of snow), Ruth was digging out her driveway by herself so her client's would get their needed services. She works mostly with frail, homebound clients that really does count on our services for meals and help with personal care needs." says Janell Steffen, Director of Home Services with the Health Department.
Ruth Baker (of Kewanee) has been with the Department for over 17 years. At the age of 83, Ruth still works about 35 hours per week with her day starting at 6:30am and usually finishing about 6:00pm. As a trained and certified homecare assistant, Ruth visits area residents in their homes and helps them with such activities as light housekeeping; cooking; laundry; errands and assitance with personal care.
Steffen notes, "Ruth treats everyone with respect, and works quickly and quietly. She is low-key and has a calming influence. You never hear Ruth complain about anything or anyone. She is very empathic to what her clients are feeling and the challenges that they face each day."
Ruth Baker adds, "I find my job very satisfying. I enjoy helping people, and I'm just glad I can be there for them if they need me."
For more information on either becoming a homecare assistant or setting up homemaker services call the Health Department at (309) 852-0492 or 1-800-868-9454.
(From Left to Right) Vicki Goerks, Homecare Assistant and Janell Steffen, Director of Home Services with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, display an award naming Vicki Goerks as the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Providers 2010 Mary I. Hill Homecare Assistant of the Year. Goerks received her award recently at luncheon held in the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.
Vicki Goerks Mary I. Hill Home-care Assistant of the Year 2010
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that each year the Illinois Association of Community Care Program Homecare Providers (IACCPHP) recognizes "Mary I. Hill Home-care Assistant of the Year" recipients for their outstanding ability and dedication in providing in-home service to frail elderly.
Vicki Goerks (of rural Wyoming), employed by the Health Department as a homecare assistant, was recently named a 2010 Homecare Assistant of the Year by the Association and was recognized at a luncheon at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield on May 12th.
"Vicki has a reputation for treating people with consideration and respect. She's a self-starter who is a great asset to our agency and our clients," says Janell Steffen, Director of Home Services with the Health Department.
Vicki Goerks has been with the Department for over 14 years. As a trained and certified homecare assistant, Vicki visits Stark County area residents in their homes and helps them with such activities as light housekeeping; cooking; laundry; and errands.
Steffen notes, "People like Vicki are so vital to our home services program. Due to the great growth of home services we are always in need of more caring and conscientious people like her."
Vicki Goerks adds, "I find my job very satisfying. I enjoy working with my clients, their families, and the dedicated staff at the Health Department. I guess I love my work because it not only benefits each of my clients, but their families and the community as a whole."
For more information on either becoming a homecare assistant or setting up homemaker services call the Health Department at (309) 852-0492 or 1-800-868-9454.
Home services are available for persons needing assistance with non-medical activities of daily living including:
*Meal preparation *Light housekeeping *Laundry *Transportation for essential shopping & errands *Assistance with personal care and grooming *Medication reminder & supervision *Companionship and/or Supervision
These services are provided by a staff of homecare assistants working in Henry, Stark and Bureau counties.
Private pay home services can be set up for a short period of time or on an on-going basis. Services are available up to 24 hours per day - 7 days per week, but each client schedule is set to meet their individual needs.Some clients may need just a few hours per week while others may need several hours of service each day. Services are conveniently billed one time per month, and may also be covered by many long term care insurance policies.
Henry County Health Department is licensed as a home services agency through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Illinois Homecare & Hospice Council: http://www.ilhomecare.org
Henry County Health Department is also a contracted provider for Community Care Program and Respite services which are funded through the Illinois Department on Aging; as well as the Office of Rehabilitation Services Home Services Program which is funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services.All homecare assistants are fully trained and certified according to the Illinois Department on Aging and the Illinois Department of Public Health regulations.
