Outstanding Caregiver of 2010 Recognized by Home Helpers/Lockport

Online, April 20, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Home Helpers / Lockport recently recognized Mari Chamoun of Homer Glen for her outstanding caregiving to senior citizens in the Lockport area with its "2010 Caregiver of the Year" award.

Chamoun is the full-time Home Helpers/Lockport employee who works on-site at Marian Village in Homer Glen, Ill. Her services assist Marian Village residents and enable them to remain in the independent living apartments and homes. The Home Helpers "Caregiver of the Year" award recognizes a caregiver in the area who shows exceptional concern, alertness, and compassion to individuals while taking care of their non-medical, in-home needs.

"Mari is a one-of-a-kind person and we are extremely lucky to have her on our team," states Ed Kerfin, president of Home Helpers / Lockport. "She epitomizes compassion and care, while illustrating the power of positive attitude and thinking. She literally lights up the hearts of individuals everyday as she does everything necessary to enable them to enjoy living life to the fullest."

Chamoun has worked at Marian Village for over ten years caring for individuals in the independent living community in a variety of roles. When Home Helpers /Lockport established an on-site presence there a year ago, Kerfin was thrilled when Chamoun accepted the management position. "Mari is a self-starter and takes it upon herself to step in and do whatever is necessary to make the residents' lives easier and happier," Kerfin continues. "Because of her dedication, our clients have all their needs cared for and wishes fulfilled."

A typical day for Chamoun starts with "Rise and Shine" service for her clients. This program is customized around the needs of each resident and can include making breakfast, laying out clothes, and performing light housekeeping. Other services throughout the day range from changing hearing aid batteries to gift-wrapping birthday presents and from escorting residents to appointments to organizing closets.

"I love what I do and the people I work with," Chamoun exclaims. "Because of what I am able to do, the seniors can count on living life on their terms. That independence is very important to them." Everyone who knows Chamoun points out that her clients are like family members as she takes care of their needs with great care and concern.

"Mari has such great joy and compassion; she is always smiling, has a wonderful work ethic, and is very dedicated," says Sylvia Czerwinski, resident services director at Marian Village. "She will do what is necessary to please others." Czerwinski has worked with Chamoun for many years at Marian Village, as Chamoun at one point worked under Czerwinski's direction.

Each year Home Helpers / Lockport recognizes a local caregiver for outstanding service. For more information contact Home Helpers / Lockport at 815-836-2625 or visit www.homehelperslockport.com.