News

Contact: John Broom

ACMC Regional Home Health recently honored caregivers for their service to patients. The annual ceremony took on a different feel due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We obviously couldn’t have our annual dinner due to social distancing and group restrictions, but we were able to offer staff to-go dinners and we gave awards and certificates in individual presentations,” said ACMC Regional Home Health Executive Director Sue Shadle, MSN, RN.

Home health care has proven to be even more important in 2020, especially those with recurring health needs. Many times, patients may need additional nursing care or weekly assistance, but do not need to spend time in a hospital or long-term care facility. Home health caregivers ensure patients get that care in the comfort of their own home – which is especially vital during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are times that patients have been told they need additional care, but a hospital or long-term care facility has advised them to seek homecare. We get the call for help, and our caregivers will assess the situation and provide the best care for the individual, while maintaining safety protocols for patient safety and caregiver safety,” Shadle said.

ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael Habowski said he was proud to recognize ACMC Regional Home Health caregivers who are a vital part of the continuum of care for patients.

“ACMC Regional Home Health recently earned a Five-Star rating for Patient Satisfaction from Medicare.gov,” he said. “It scores consistently in the 80% and 90% range for patient satisfaction, among the highest in Ohio. Patients rate their overall care 9 percent above the national average and 10 percent above Ohio’s average. That speaks volumes to the dedication and commitment of our caregivers.”

In addition to honoring 14 caregivers with years of service certificates, ACMC Regional Home Health presented special awards to 10 caregivers. Jackie Bush was presented a new award for this year, a Spirit Award. Traditional awards given to caregivers are the Quality Star Awards, Caring Star Awards, Making a Difference Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Quality Star Award recognizes exemplary performance in caregivers who demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of ACMC Regional Home Health and its patients – especially in terms of patient safety and quality care. 2020 award winners are: Crystal Beight, Allison Franley, Karyn Queen, and Jessica Slaby.

The Caring Star Award recognizes excellence in customer service, especially for providing service with a caring heart, exhibiting empathy and providing patients with positive interactions. The 2020 award winner is Sherri Kreiling.

The Making a Difference award goes to those who ensure ACMC Regional Home Health provides top quality care for patients. The award criteria focus on efforts to improve a work process or system, and recipients continually seek solutions to improve quality of care. 2020 award winners are: Rebecca Banish, Karen Chech, and Jason Shadle.

The Lifetime Service Award was given to Pat Throckmorton for providing 40 years of service to home health patients. Throckmorton began as a case manager, providing home health and hospice care for patients. In the early 1990s, she became the Community Coordinator, visiting hospitals and provider offices to discuss home healthcare needs of their patients. Throckmorton also served as representative for the Senior Care Network. In the early 2000s, she transitioned to in-office work, serving as insurance authorization manager and clinical information management.

Shadle, who has been with ACMC Regional Home health for the past 35 years, said Throckmortorn has been an example to others throughout her career. “Healthcare is an ever-changing environment and Pat has adapted with the changing times and requirements.”