February 2024
Karen
McDonald
,
LPN
ECF 3rd
Oneida Healthcare
Oneida
,
NY
United States
Karen would crouch down to my mom’s level, take both of her hands and calmly explain things to reinforce to Mom that she was safe and she was where she was supposed to be.
My mother is a resident of the Extended Care Facility. Her care has been wonderful, but Karen McDonald has been exceptional to my mom and to her family. As mom’s dementia rapidly increased, Karen could always calm her down, no matter how agitated or confused she was. Karen would crouch down to my mom’s level, take both of her hands and calmly explain things to reinforce to Mom that she was safe and she was where she was supposed to be. That was so reassuring as Mom was often paranoid and afraid. Not only did Karen care for my mom, but she also provided comfort and knowledge to me and the rest of the family. She would suggest what to say to reinforce Mom’s safety. She would explain why my mom was acting the way she was and was such a comfort to all of us. No matter how my mom was that day, Karen could always get a smile and a big hug. She formed a bond that was such a comfort to us. Karen personifies exactly what a nurse should be. Her knowledge, compassion, and patience deserve recognition.