Longtime caregiver is honored

The office staff at Angels In Waiting Home Care in Willoughby nominated longtime caregiver Susan Kirby for the Busch Recognition Program.

Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, which has multiple locations in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties, recognizes the hard work of individuals in the community who have taken on the responsibility of being a caregiver. Nominees may be a hospice professional, physician, nurse, chaplain, social worker, certified nurse’s aide, health care administrative professional, parish nurse, clergy, deacon, volunteer or anyone else who is seen as a caregiver in Northeast Ohio.

Kirby has been in the health care field since 1974. She has been employed with Angels In Waiting for two years.

In the nomination letter, Kirby is described as being dependable, warm and caring.

Staffing Manager Reina McKay said Kirby goes above and beyond her job responsibilities.

On her off days, she provides meals and clothing to her clients who have no one else to help, she said.

“Susan is not only a good employee, she is an exceptional employee — very high levels of dedication,” McKay said. “Susan strives to better herself and is passionate about her job.”

Cynthia Turk, a family member of one of Kirby’s previous clients, said Kirby was the epitome of the company’s name — an angel.

Turk said she was overwhelmed with trying to ensure that her aunt, who suffered from mental and depressive issues, was well taken care of, but Kirby lifted that burden.

“My aunt was not motivated to bathe, cook or keep house,” Turk said. “Susan somehow worked a miracle and got much-needed baths accomplished. Susan was able to get her to do some house cleaning activities. On the weekends, she would call my aunt, without pay, to remind her to take her medication. Somehow, she was successful, even though I had tried the same thing and failed.”

Kirby recently received a $100 gift card and plaque for her dedication and generosity, as part of the Busch Recognition Program.

Kirby