Local Tallmadge Caregiver Named Finalist for National Award
Visiting Angels, the nation’s leading provider of in-home senior care, announces Michele Kaiser of Tallmadge, Ohio, as one of the 10 semi-finalists for its prestigious National Caregiver of the Year award.
Michele Kaiser has dedicated nearly 10 years of her career to Visiting Angels Tallmadge, providing over 18,000 hours of care. Even when she’s not at work, she goes home to care for her mom. Her deep sense of commitment and incredible awareness allow her to read, empathize, and understand her clients on a deeper level. She’s recommended that one of her main clients receive respite care, meaning she would lose hours. However, after the respite care, Michele was excited to see the positive mental change in the client when they returned. She’ll also help the client transfer to a wheelchair when no other caregivers will, so they can enjoy cooking together which is the client’s favorite activity.
“She’s a rock for one of our most difficult clients, providing her with exceptional care for over nine years,” said Marisa Wood, the Chief Administrative Officer of Visiting Angels Tallmadge. “She anticipates her clients’ needs, often going to great lengths to ensure they receive the best possible care, representing the heart and soul of what Visiting Angels represents."
With near-perfect attendance, Michele will do anything to show up for work, even when her car breaks down. She’ll bring a client’s favorite coffee or breakfast order to put a smile on their face. Michele will cover an evening shift for a client outside her regular schedule just to ensure they are changed for bed. Clients have shown her appreciation for helping them decorate their houses for the holidays or just helping them get up and perform daily tasks.
“My mom did not trust anyone caring for her, but Michele was able to make her feel comfortable and secure right off the bat,” said Sue, the daughter of Michele’s client. “She’s so full of compassion and understanding, taking the time to explain to my mom what they would do and how they would do it.”
Visiting Angels’ National Caregiver of the Year Award celebrates the extraordinary contributions of caregivers who go above and beyond to provide care for their senior clients and their families. The semi-finalists were selected from entries throughout the nationwide Visiting Angels franchise locations. The caregivers nominated embody Visiting Angels’ compassionate values and demonstrate excellence through the quality care they provide.
“Michele radiates Visiting Angel’s core values of reliability, dedication, and empathy. Her incredible perception allows her to read and understand how her clients feel, and she provides exceptional care in response,” said Larry Meigs, CEO of Visiting Angels. “Our 10 semi-finalists for the 2024 Caregiver of the Year award represent what Visiting Angels strives to be. Their dedication, compassion, and ability to provide hope in the most difficult situations embody the core values of our organization.”
Visiting Angels will announce the Caregiver of the Year winner at their annual conference in June. The winner will receive a $5,000 prize, and two finalists p will each receive a check for $2,500.
Serving Akron, Orrville, Rittman, N. Lawrence, Marshallville, Dalton, Canal Fulton, Apple Creek and other Summit County Communities
Visiting Angels AKRON, OH
22 Northwest AveTallmadge, OH 44278
Phone: 330-733-1532
Fax: 330-475-1373