West Region
Tami Tompkins, Hospice Aide
Boise, ID
"Tami has such a positive attitude and a beautiful spiritual light within."
Tami has shown such a passion for hospice care and an even stronger compassion for our patients. One of the saddest situations Tami has encountered was a man who lived in a basement with no running water. He had no toilet and ate only ketchup for every meal. Though it was a challenge, Tami offered unwavering support and understanding. She helped him bathe, cared for his health and eventually convinced him to move into a facility where she could continue to provide care. He moved and is much happier and healthier. Her passion for care has been noted by patients and their families, and there isn't a team member who hasn't heard about the wonderful care she provides!
Northeast Region
Keri Bugher, Hospice Aide
Baltimore, MD
"She has a true passion for caring for others, putting her patients first and always remembering why we are here."
In her personal and professional life, Keri Bugher is a caregiver. At home, she cares for her two children on her own, and she recently put her nursing degree on hold to care for her mother. At Amedisys, her care for her patients is much more than just a job. Recently, Keri was working with a patient who was moving to respite care. The ambulance was set to arrive at 3 p.m. and Keri visited in the morning. When the ambulance arrived, one of the family members called Keri to get her advice. The patient had become incontinent and was feeling scared about the move. Keri returned as quickly as she could, cleaned him up and reassured him that she would continue to care for him in his new location. She stopped by on her personal time to make sure he had handled the move well.
Southeast Region
Ellen Washington, Hospice Aide
Pawley's Island, SC
"If the world had more like her, it would be a better place!"
When Ellen is in the care center hugs, smiles and words of encouragement abound - everyone she touches has a sense of truly being cared for. The nurses at her care center often fight over who gets to have her as their aide. In fact, many patients being admitted to the care center ask for Ellen by name because so many in the community know of the fantastic care she's given to another family. She often takes on the most challenging patients because she feels those are the ones that need Amedisys' help the most. From the amount of letters the care center gets about the outstanding care Ellen offers, she does just that, always taking the extra time to give her patients special attention.