Seniors For Living

Fact: Some caregivers spend a lot of time at the hospital.

Whether the person being cared for lives at home or in assisted living doesn’t matter. One or more trips to the hospital, particularly the ER, is likely to occur at some point along the caregiving track.

Marian Hamilton knew this all too well. This New York resident was a caregiver for her husband Ken, who died of cancer several years ago, and was inspired to create a place for caregivers to get the support and help they need while caring for others.

In 2006, she founded the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center at Northern Westchester Hospital. At the end of the month, the hospital’s annual benefit gala will include Marian Hamilton on their roster of distinguished honorees.

An excellent concept and model, and one that should be replicated in every hospital across the country and around the world, the Center is described in this online news article as a “900-square-foot oasis” with a fireplace, massage chair, a waterfall feature, and the guidance of two social workers and more than 25 volunteer coaches to help with end-of-life issues, discharge planning, and a host of other issues caregivers in crisis face.

Read more about Marian’s Caregiver Center here. Also, check out our post on geriatric emergency rooms, another concept and model that is worth replicating elsewhere.