Kingston Employee Named First National Caregiver in Assisted Living

The Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living Award is given by the National Center for Assisted Living and its state affiliate, the Indiana Health Care Association. This year our very own Elizabeth Walker has won the top national caregiver award. Ms. Walker was honored in a surprise ceremony at the facility by her State Representative and members of the two awarding associations. Also, Ms. Walker and her husband received an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas where she received the “official” award at the National Conference.

At Kingston at Dupont where Ms. Walker is a Qualified Medication Aide, residents have some level of dementia, mostly Alzheimer’s disease. But to Walker they are men and women who need help to brush their hair or teeth, guidance to the dinner table or a hand held when late afternoon agitation develops.

“Liz has great compassion. I think that’s what sets her apart from everyone else,” said Buck Thompson of Fort Wayne. “She doesn’t get upset. She’s a go-everywhere, do everything kind of person.” Thompson’s in-laws lived at Kingston at Dupont.

Walker’s job at Kingston is staffing coordinator, “but I’m not in my office very much. I’d rather be with the residents.” Kingston’s Executive Director, who nominated Walker, said Walker goes the extra mile when residents must be moved to a nursing home because of medical needs. For example, when Thompson’s mother-in-law moved to a nursing home in Berne, Liz drove there on her own time and expense to check on the former resident.

“She has the patience of Job,” Thompson said. “If I were in that position (a resident), she’s who I’d want to take care of me.”