May 2026 Honoree
Kathy Hewitt, RN
Our 76-Year-old dadwas here for about a month. He was initially here for a stay at memory care but was diagnosed with RSV while here. RSV pushed him into end-stage dementia. We were not expecting this to happen.
Prior to this stay, he was walking unassisted and eating on his own. This decline was fast, and we were pressured to find a hospice facility. That in itself was a horrific process with the stress of locating somewhere fast, our dad rapidly declining, and being placed on comfort care.
While here, Kathy was an Angel sent from heaven. She completely understood our hearts were breaking and was compassionate with everything going on. She knew how stressed we were feeling. Not only did she provide amazing care for our dad, she cared for us emotionally. I don’t even think she knew she was doing this—it was so natural for her.
Every time she was on duty, my dad had a smile on his face. He looked the most comfortable when she would reposition him. She was the best at this. She learned quickly that he liked his hair brushed, back scratched, etc. She took care of him as if he was her own. I’m pretty sure she has been adopted as his fourth daughter!
I cannot tell you what it meant for us to know that any time we walked out the door, he was in good hands and there was nothing to worry about. I wish everyone going through this roller coaster of end-stage dementia had someone as wonderful as her. They deserve the best on their way out, and we were beyond blessed to have had her. My mom said she gives the best hugs too.
No one deserves this award more than Kathy
Prior to this stay, he was walking unassisted and eating on his own. This decline was fast, and we were pressured to find a hospice facility. That in itself was a horrific process with the stress of locating somewhere fast, our dad rapidly declining, and being placed on comfort care.
While here, Kathy was an Angel sent from heaven. She completely understood our hearts were breaking and was compassionate with everything going on. She knew how stressed we were feeling. Not only did she provide amazing care for our dad, she cared for us emotionally. I don’t even think she knew she was doing this—it was so natural for her.
Every time she was on duty, my dad had a smile on his face. He looked the most comfortable when she would reposition him. She was the best at this. She learned quickly that he liked his hair brushed, back scratched, etc. She took care of him as if he was her own. I’m pretty sure she has been adopted as his fourth daughter!
I cannot tell you what it meant for us to know that any time we walked out the door, he was in good hands and there was nothing to worry about. I wish everyone going through this roller coaster of end-stage dementia had someone as wonderful as her. They deserve the best on their way out, and we were beyond blessed to have had her. My mom said she gives the best hugs too.
No one deserves this award more than Kathy
Thank you, Kathy, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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