The work of a hospice caregiver often transcends any description of kindness, service and ministry. It takes a very special kind of compassion and dedication. A very special person.
Each month Langeland Family Funeral Homes selects an individual as a recipient of the Hospice Caregiver Award from your nominations. The person chosen as the monthly award winner receives a gift card to be used for whatever they desire. Their name is also engraved on a leaf on the Hospice Caregiver tree at the Westside location. Yearly, Langeland Family Funeral Homes holds a reception to honor the past year's award recipients. During the reception, one of these special people will be selected as “Caregiver of the Year”. The Caregiver of the Year recipient will receive a gift certificate for a very special evening and a night away.
We invite nominations from peers, friends, patients and their families, and others who feel a particular person excels in his or her profession. Through your nomination, you can provide a special honor to someone who gives so much.
Please take a moment to nominate an individual whose care has touched your heart. This person may be a hospice professional physician, nurse, chaplain, social worker, grief counselor, CNA, healthcare administrative professional or a volunteer.
This year Nikki Warner a Certified Nurse Assistant for Centrica Care Navigators was selected as the Langeland 2022 Hospice Caregiver of the Year. Nikki originally received the monthly Hospice Caregiver Award for January 2022. Nikki has worked in hospice for five years. She is dedicated to her job and was so surprised to receive the yearly award for 2022. Nikki says she wants to do the best for her clients, she treats them like she is caring for her own family. She also feels that so many in her profession – CNA’s, nurses, chaplains, and others are so deserving of this recognition she has a hard time receiving it for herself. “I just do my job and I love what I do”.
Nikki shared a special story from her numerous special memories with her patients. Nikki cared for one man for three years. He had dementia and continued to decline over the years which she cared for him. He has a special place in her heart. He taught her about the Pink Panther movies, asking her, “Does your Dog bit?” She was confused at first because she did not bring her dog to the appointment, this then became a special joke between them. His wife would introduce Nikki as, “Your Girlfriend is here” and he called Nikki “Nikki Canna” – because her nametag said Nikki CNA. Karen Rich, who initially nominated Nikki, wrote; “As a hospice caregiver, Nikki has a heart the size of Texas and a disposition that brings out the smiles and humor in what is often a dismal situation.” These special relationships Nikki develops with her patients make her service so much more than a job.
Nikki attended the banquet with her parents Larry and Marie Warner and her co-worker Dion Platz-Marcum. She lives in Portage with her goldfish (who is in a pond outside) and her two dogs. Nikki unwinds from the stress of being a caregiver with her hobbies – hunting, fishing and keeping in touch with family and friends on “Talk Tuesdays” and going to the Barn Theatre on Friday nights.
Langeland Family Funeral Homes is so thankful to Nikki and all the Hospice Caregivers who give so much of themselves to make sure those who are suffering have the support and guidance they need.
CLICK ON A TAB BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINNER.
Deb Comstock was nominated by Rich Harlow for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.
Deb started Hospice Care for Rhonda beginning September 2022 until her death December 2022. She visited her two times per week with phone call updates to me. Deb visited every day starting in mid-December until the end. She was very helpful, loving, and caring. She was a tremendous support to me in those final days. Deb became a close friend and truly loved Rhonda.
Left to Right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services and Deb Comstock, Registered Nurse, Careline Hospice.
Deb received the Hospice Caregiver Award for February 2023.
Thank you Deb for all you do as an exceptional Hospice Caregiver!
Deb received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.
Dion PlatzMarcum was nominated by Laura Smidchens for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.
Everyone from the hospice teams were amazing exuding a sense of peacefulness while making sure that my husband's care was exemplary. However, I want to shine special light on Dion whose regular visits helped bring a level of joy into the day. Additionally, his calm efficient approach dramatically reduced my husband's stress. Vinay even at times mustered up signs that he enjoyed Dion's visits and appreciated him. Thank you for consistently bringing both of us peace and joy.
Left to Right: Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services and Dion PlatzMarcum, Certified Nurse Assistant, Centrica Care Navigators.
Dion received the Hospice Caregiver Award for January 2023.
Thank you Dion for all you do as an exceptional Hospice Caregiver.
Dion received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever he would like.
Rachel Giddings was nominated by Barbara Maury for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.
Rachel was there when we needed it most, helped everyone in a gentle caring way, gave us the words to help Bill on his journey home, and helped our hearts give him the release he needed. She became part of our family for that short time we so needed her. It was surely a blessing that God sent her to us.
Left to Right: Rachel Giddings, Social Worker, Centrica Care Navigators; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.
Rachel received the Hospice Caregiver Award for December.
Thank you Rachel for all you do as an exceptional Hospice Caregiver.
Rachel received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.
Luke Canfield was nominated by Sandra DeYoung for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award.
Luke – Was a wonderful, helpful, caring guy who taught us basic care and needs. He taught how to change adult diapers. He came when I needed him most one morning! I appreciated his tender care of our mother. He has a positive attitude and loving heart. Thanks so much for your help!
Left to Right: Greg Langeland, Director, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Luke Canfield, Certified Nurse Assistant, Centrica Care Navigators.
Luke received the Hospice Caregiver Award for November.
Thank you Luke for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver.
Luke received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever he would like.
Emma Macadangdang was nominated for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award by Beverly Nyhuis.
Emma’s care for my mother’s 6 weeks at Rose Arbor was compassionate and soothing to both my mother & our family. The days she worked, she stopped often to check on my mom. She took the time to talk to her & soothe her fears & anxiety. She was our angel & care giver that Blessed our family Richly! Emma gave 100% in doing a good job for my mom and family.
Left to Right: Kari Northey, Director, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Emma Macadangdang, Registered Nurse, Centrica Rose Arbor Place; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.
Emma received the Hospice Caregiver Award for October.
Thank you Emma for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you have gone above and beyond during the pandemic!
Emma received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like..
Jenna Knowles was nominated for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award by her Colleagues at Wings of Hope Hospice.
The team members from Wings of Hope Hospice want to nominate our colleague Jenna Knowles RN for the Langeland Hospice Caregiver Award. Jenna is loved by her patients and families. Her sweet quiet spirit encourages others. She is respected by her co-workers. One staff member describes Jenna as like a precious flower.⚘ “When I see her I am happy and when I don't see her I remember the graciousness she leaves behind and look forward to always talking with her or just listening. She is a beautiful creation the Lord has made to encourage, love and care for our patients in such a compassionate way. She uses all her gifts the Lord so wonderfully gave her. We are so blessed to have her. She is also a good friend.” One of the staff members who originally hired Jenna said, “Jenna came to us with no hospice experience and has embraced hospice philosophy and blossomed as a well-rounded nurse. She is empathetic, professional, calm, kind and knowledgeable. She sets a superb example for other nurses and is a great teacher. She excels in her job and is a true asset to Wings of Hope. We are blessed to have Jenna on our Team!” Jenna is a warm and caring presence who shares her thoughtful care, provides expert end-of life education, and offers options for increased patient comfort and peace of mind. One colleague said, “I had the privilege of joining Jenna on a visit with a patient. You could tell how much the patient appreciated Jenna and the attention Jenna gave her. Jenna truly sits and listens to her patients, really hearing them, which I know means so very much to all of them.” One of our Wings of Hope leadership team said, “Jenna is genuine, sincere, smart, compassionate, thorough and instills trust. One of the caregivers in our [recent Wings of Hope] video said, “I liked her the minute I met her.” I would want her to be my hospice nurse. We think Jenna is an amazing nurse. She listens well to patient concerns, uses her medical knowledge to assess and find helpful medical solutions and approaches each family member in the way that puts everyone at ease. Jenna goes above and beyond to make sure her patients have symptoms well controlled, anticipating potential problems and walking alongside patients and family members. Jenna is a consistent, reliable team-member. She plans her time with her husband and three daughters wisely so as to be dependable for her responsibilities to our patients. She has been a steady employee at Wings of Hope for some eight years. The compassion and empathy Jenna shows her patients and their families is natural and directly from her heart. Jenna sets the bar high for all the employees, especially the nurses at WOHH.
Left to Right: Kari Northey, Director, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services; Jenna Knowles, Registered Nurse, Wings of Hope Hospice; and Dana Naumann, Bereavement Care Coordinator, Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services.
Jenna received the Hospice Caregiver Award for September.
Thank you Jenna for all you do as an exceptional Caregiver and we especially recognize how you have gone above and beyond during the pandemic!
Jenna received The Crystal Heart Award and a gift card to be used for whatever she would like.
You are welcome to call us any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.